Philippine Women’s football team bow out of MSIG Serenity Cup title defense after draw with Myanmar

 The Philippines’ MSIG Serenity Cup title defense came to no avail as after dropping a game After a 1-0 loss to Australia and a 1-1 draw with Myanmar on Wednesday, the Filipinas have formally bowed out of the tournament.

Needing a win — and by multiple goals — to keep their semifinal hopes alive, the Philippines could only manage a single goal and a draw in their final Group B match. As a result, Myanmar and Australia’s U-23 squad will advance to the semifinals.

Myanmar topped the group with seven points from two wins and the draw against the Filipinas, while the Aussies followed with six points after victories over the Philippines and Timor Leste.

This campaign saw a refreshed Filipinas roster compared to the team that won the AFF Women’s Championship on home soil in 2022, with several veterans missing due to injury or club commitments.

The Nationals opened their stint in Vietnam with a dominant 7-0 win over Timor Leste, but the loss to Australia set up a do-or-die clash with Myanmar.

The Filipinas fell behind in the 33rd minute when goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel conceded a penalty after clipping Myanmar captain Win Theingi Tun inside the box. Tun calmly converted from the spot to give her side a 1-0 lead.

WE’RE STILL PROUD OF YOU, FILIPINAS!

The Philippine women’s national football team Filipinas crashed out of its title defense bid in the 2025 AFF Women’s Championship (MSIG Serenity Cup) on Wednesday night in Vietnam.

READ: https://t.co/nU68vZ6JUI pic.twitter.com/QpO2dV14q8

— GMA Sports (@gmasportsph) August 14, 2025

The equalizer came in the second half, when young striker Nina Mathelus combined with fellow substitute Adelaide Wyrzynski. Wyrzynski delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, which Mathelus slotted in with her left foot to level the score at 1-1.

Despite the momentum shift, the Philippines were unable to break down Myanmar’s disciplined defense. Chandler McDaniel, Mathelus, and captain Hali Long all had chances to find the go-ahead goal, but none found the back of the net.

Late in the match, Olivia McDaniel was tested again when Yoon Wadi Hlaing broke free in transition, forcing the Filipinas’ keeper into two crucial saves to keep the game tied.

In the dying moments, the Philippines earned a corner kick for one last push. However, Wyrzynski’s shot off a Chandler McDaniel cross drifted wide to the left, sealing the draw and their tournament exit.

With the group stage concluded, host Vietnam will face Australia in the semifinals, while Myanmar will take on Thailand for a spot in the final.

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