By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippine women’s football team ended its title defense on sad note as its must-win attempt was turned into a 1-1 draw against Myanmar in the 2025 ASEAN MSIG Serenity Cup at the Lach Tray Stadium in Hai Phong, Vietnam Wednesday, Aug. 13.
Despite rising teen stars Nina Mathelus and Adelaide Wyrzynski conspiring for an equalizer at the 70th minute, the Filipinas failed to duplicate their historic run the last time – no thanks to Myanmar’s determined stand.
For finishing third (1-1-1), the Filipinas were eliminated paving the way for Myanmar (2-1-0) and Australia to (2-0-1) advance to the semis.
Also another factor to the elimination of the reigning champion was Australia romped to a 9-0 win over Timor Leste to climb up to second spot.
Myanmar and Australia U23 will be facing Vietnam and Thailand, respectively, in the semis.
Definitely, it was a stinging loss for the Filipinas as their collective efforts failed to replicate their triumphant campaign in the 2022 edition – which was held in the country – where Sarina Bolden led them to their first championship in the regional meet.
Though they fell short, the future looks brighter for the Nationals with 16-year-old Mathelus and 19-year-old Wyrzynski showing what they are capable of under heavy pressure.
Before their exit, the Filipina booters rolled past Timor Lester, 7-0, in their opening game before absorbing a 1-0 defeat at the hands of the under-23 Australian bets.
Myanmar went ahead early as goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel committed a foul on surging Burmese skipper Win Theingi Tun in the box, resulting in the former being rewarded by the referee with a penalty kick that the Burmese converted easily,
However, the Philippine came back to life, as Wyrzynski deflected the ball and went for a cross from the right side of the box to Mathelus who drilled it in close range on the top left corner.
Several chances had been given to the Filipinas in the remaining minutes but they weren’t able to finish it off.
