By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippine women’s national football team absorbed its first defeat, bowing to Australia U23, 1-0, in the 2025 ASEAN MSIG Serenity Cup at the Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho, Vietnam Sunday, Aug. 10.
Their confidence further bolstered by a 7-0 demolition of Timor Leste, the Filipinas came into the game looking confident and eager to repeat over the Aussies, who they defeated the last time.
But Aussie forward Alana Jancevski had other thing in mind as she seized the opportunity to shine, blasting a left-footed shot from the box’s right side into bottom’s left corner in the injury time of the first half.
Desperate to even the score, Hali Long and Alessandrea Carpio pressed the team’s attack but their attempts were denied by Aussie goalkeeper Chloe Lincon, resulting in the Philippines falling to second spot (1-1) with Australia behind (1-1) in Group B.
Despite the loss, the reigning champions still have a shot for a title but they need to beat front-running Myanmar (2-0) on Wednesday, Aug. 13.
A win over the Myanmar squad, which previously notched a 2-1 victory against Australia, could propel the Philippines to the semifinal.
With both teams putting more emphasis on defense, the game was reduced to tactical showdown until Jancevski saw a opportunity to strike for the Aussies in the 21st minute.
Her shot was foiled by veteran goalie Olivia McDaniel.
But not in her second attempt with just 43 seconds gone from 45-minute first half action.
