The Philippine women’s football team beats host Thailand, 4-2, to advance to the finals of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games for the first time in Chonburi, Thailand on Sunday night (Dec. 14, 2025). The Filipinas bounced back from a 0-1 deficit, tying late in regulation and stealing the semifinals batch on thrilling penalties, 4-2. (POC media pool photo)
CHONBURI — The Philippine women’s football team carved its name deeper into Southeast Asian football history on Sunday night, storming into the SEA Games final for the first time after a nerve-wracking comeback and a heart-stopping penalty shootout that silenced a partisan Thai crowd.
Down a goal midway through the second half and staring at elimination on Thai soil, the Filipinas showed remarkable composure and grit, clawing their way back from a 0-1 deficit before prevailing, 4-2, on penalties at the Chonburi Daikin Stadium.
Thailand appeared poised to end the Philippines’ run when Mongkoldee Jiraporn capitalized on a defensive lapse in the 53rd minute to put the Chaba Kaew ahead. The goal sent the home supporters into a frenzy and put the Filipinas under intense pressure.
But this Philippine side has built a reputation for resilience, and it showed again when it mattered most.
As the clock ticked down and desperation set in, the breakthrough finally came in the 86th minute. A handball inside the box gave the Filipinas a lifeline, and Jael Marie Guy calmly stepped up, burying the penalty to force extra time and ignite celebrations among the Filipino supporters scattered across the stands.
Neither team managed to find a winner through 30 minutes of extra time, setting the stage for a dramatic shootout with a finals berth on the line.
Under immense pressure, the Filipinas were flawless. Guy, Alessandra Carpio, Sara Eggesvik, and captain Hali Long all converted their spot kicks with confidence. The turning point came when Thailand’s Pluemjai Sontisawat rattled her attempt off the post, swinging the momentum firmly in the Philippines’ favor.
After Long made it 4-2, the Filipinas held their breath one last time before erupting in celebration as Orapin Waenngoen blasted her shot over the crossbar, sealing one of the most memorable wins in the program’s history.
The victory sends the Philippines into the gold medal match against defending champion Vietnam on Dec. 17, a matchup that carries extra intrigue after the Filipinas edged the Vietnamese, 1-0, in the group stage. Vietnam booked its place in the final earlier with a commanding 5-0 rout of Indonesia.
Already known for landmark moments — from their stunning win over New Zealand in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to a breakthrough ASEAN title at home — the Filipinas now stand one win away from their first SEA Games crown, with another piece of history firmly within reach.