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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Torcaso proud of Filipinas after historic semis win over Thailand

Torcaso proud of Filipinas after historic semis win over Thailand

Published Dec 15, 2025 02:38 pm

At A Glance

  • BANGKOK — Philippine women's football team head coach Mark Torcaso was over the moon after seeing his wards march into the 33rd Southeast Asian Games gold medal match.
BANGKOK — Philippine women’s football team head coach Mark Torcaso was over the moon after seeing his wards march into the 33rd Southeast Asian Games gold medal match.
Doubted after the early loss to Myanmar, the Nationals pulled off a dramatic victory over Thailand in the semifinals, beating the host team 4-2 via penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in the regulation and extra time.
“I feel extremely emotional. Excited and proud to be representing this country as a coach. But, more importantly, I'm proud of every single player that's putting on our shirt,” said Toscano after the game that put the Philippines in the finals for the first time in history.
“They haven't stopped fighting this whole competition, even after a loss in the first game. We were absolutely determined to make sure we made the gold medal match after that loss against Myanmar. And we're here now. And as I said, it's very emotional,” he added.
Jael Marie Guy stepped up big time for the Filipinas as she delivered the equalizer at the 87th minute mark via a penalty kick after one Thai player committed a handball violation during her initial attempt.
The Filipinas held on until the end of the 120th minute before Guy alongside Alex Carpio, Sara Eggesvik and Hali Long, who appeared for her 100th game with the Filipinas, all delivered in the shootout.
“We have a really good, exciting group of players going forward. We've got some fantastic experienced players like Hayley,” said Torcaso.
“And we also have some fantastic young players like Jael who came on today and as an 18-year-old, I think he changed the game. Gave us enthusiasm. Alex Carpio came on and gave us energy. Ari Markey, 18-year-old, came on and gave us energy,” he added.
“And they gave us exactly what we needed.”
Standing between the Filipinas and the historic first gold in women’s football is defending champion Vietnam. Interestingly, the Filipinas defeated the Vietnamese, 1-0, in the group stage.
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