The Philippine women’s football team delivered a defining breakthrough in Southeast Asian football on Wednesday, Dec. 17, earning the country its first-ever SEA Games gold medal in the sport. The historic victory came after a tense final that showcased the Filipinas’ growing maturity on the regional stage.

At Chonburi Daikin Stadium, the Filipinas outlasted eight-time champion Vietnam, 6-5, in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw through extra time. The result marked the Philippines’ first SEA Games football title, men or women.

Both teams were locked in a tactical battle, canceling each other out through 90 minutes of regulation and the additional 30 minutes. Neither side managed to produce a decisive goal, forcing the championship to be settled from the spot.

Jackie Sawicki stepped up as the Philippines’ sixth shooter and calmly converted, sending Vietnam goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim the wrong way. Her goal gave the Filipinas a narrow edge with everything riding on the final Vietnamese attempt.

Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel then delivered the moment that sealed history, diving to stop Tran Thi Thu’s shot. The save triggered celebrations as the Filipinas were crowned new SEA Games champions.

From longshots to contenders

For years, the Philippines stood on the fringes of Southeast Asian women’s football, with bronze medals marking its best SEA Games finishes. That status began to change with a regional championship breakthrough and a memorable debut at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The gold medal run in Chonburi completed that transformation, confirming the Filipinas’ rise from outsiders to legitimate contenders. Against Vietnam, they matched physicality and discipline from the opening whistle to the final kick.

The Filipinas defended with structure, absorbed pressure, and created chances on transition without losing their shape. Their composure carried them through extra time and into a shootout that demanded precision under extreme pressure.

Cool heads under pressure

Gael-Marie Guy, Alex Pino, Hali Long, Angie Beard, and Ari Markey all converted their penalties to keep the Philippines level with Vietnam. Each successful kick tightened the pressure on the defending champions.

Sawicki’s conversion opened the door, and McDaniel closed it with a clutch save. The sequence delivered one of the most significant achievements in Philippine football history.