The Philippines scored one of its biggest collective breakthroughs in football on Friday, Dec. 12, as both its national teams marched into the semifinals of the 2025 SEA Games. The men’s squad set the stage with a gritty 1-0 win over Indonesia earlier in the week, a result that positioned the federation for a historic sweep before the women sealed the achievement hours later.

The Philippine men’s team endured a tight group phase but delivered when it mattered most. Their narrow victory over Indonesia placed them among the final four and generated momentum across the program, marking one of their strongest campaigns in recent SEA Games participation. The milestone put Philippine football in rare territory—within reach of podium finishes in both divisions.

PFF president John Anthony Gutierrez said the combined progression reflected years of investment and development. He emphasized that the men’s squad breaking through early added pressure and excitement heading into the Filipinas’ final match day, where the women still needed a resounding performance to join their counterparts in the next round.

Filipinas complete the historic sweep with commanding win

The women’s national team answered the call with a dominant 6-0 triumph over Malaysia in Chonburi. The decisive result pushed the Filipinas into the semifinals, matching the men’s achievement and completing the federation’s first-ever double appearance in the SEA Games football final four.

Alexa Pino led the charge with a composed hat-trick, finding the breakthrough moments before halftime and adding two more goals midway through the second half. Jessika Cowart, Ariana Markey, and Anicka Castañeda each contributed to the scoring as the Filipinas overwhelmed a Malaysian side that struggled to cope with sustained pressure.

Head coach Mark Torcaso praised the balance of youth and experience in the squad, noting that the women’s progression bolstered the overall success of the delegation. He said the group’s response to a must-win scenario showcased maturity and discipline, particularly with the historic significance of matching the men’s earlier advancement.

Momentum builds ahead of semifinal clashes

The twin semifinal qualifications strengthened the Philippines’ football presence in the region. For the men, their gritty run has reinforced optimism around a potential podium breakthrough, while the women aim to carry their newfound momentum into a high-stakes meeting with host Thailand on Sunday night.

The federation encouraged continued support for both squads as well as the women’s national futsal team, which begins its own SEA Games campaign tomorrow. With two football teams already in medal contention, the Philippines now enters the final stretch of competition carrying its strongest football position in SEA Games history.