CHONBURI — The Philippine women’s football team made history by reaching the finals of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games for the first time, stunning home supporters with a dramatic comeback against Thailand. The Filipinas recovered from a 0-1 deficit, equalized late in regulation, and prevailed 4-2 in a thrilling penalty shootout on Sunday night, December 14, at the Chonburi Daikin Stadium.

The Filipinas, celebrated for their milestone win against New Zealand at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and a breakthrough ASEAN title at home in 2024, now have a chance to capture their first SEA Games gold in football.

Comeback from behind

Thailand’s Mongkoldee Jiraporn put the host side ahead in the 53rd minute after exploiting a defensive error, threatening to end the Filipinas’ historic run. But the Philippine team refused to surrender and fought back relentlessly.

With just minutes remaining, the referee awarded a penalty for a handball inside the box. Jael Marie Guy converted the spot kick in the 86th minute, sending the match into extra time at 1-1 and setting the stage for a tense shootout.

Thrilling penalty victory

In the shootout, Guy, Alessandra Carpio, Sara Eggesvik, and captain Hali Long successfully converted their kicks, while Thai players Jiraporn and Taneekarn Dangda faltered. Eggesvik’s third kick made it 3-2, and Thailand’s Pluemjai Sontisawat missed, sending the ball off the post. Long then extended the lead to 4-2, and Orapin Waenngoen’s final attempt went over the net, sealing the Filipinas’ historic win.

The victory sets up a showdown against defending champion Vietnam on Dec. 17, a team the Filipinas already defeated 1-0 during group play. The final promises to be a landmark moment for Philippine women’s football.