Philippine Football Federation (PFF) officials were elated after the Philippine Women’s National Team clinched the Bronze Medal in the 31st Southeast Asian Games after a come from behind 2-1 win over Myanmar last Saturday 21 May 2022 at Cam Pha Stadium in Quang Ninh, Vietnam.
Sarina Bolden and Quinley Quezada were on target in the second half to give the Philippines the win over its Southeast Asian neighbors to claim its first football medal after 37 years.
The bronze medal success in the SEA Games is also the country’s highest finish in the SEA Games Women’s Football tournament, and the second major achievement of the Filipinas after securing qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 last January during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
“We are proud of the Philippine Women’s National Team for their grit and determination to claim the country’s first SEA Games medal in football after 37 years,” said PFF president Mariano Araneta, Jr. “Thank you to everyone involved in the team, from team manager Jeff Cheng, the coaching staff led by Alen Stajcic, and the players. The Filipinas’ achievement is a landmark moment for our PWNT and we hope this continues as the team embarks on several more competitions leading up to our much anticipated maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign.”
“We have seen how the Filipinas embraced the never-say-die attitude in their SEA Games campaign which culminated in a first bronze medal after so many years. We owe it all to the hard work and sacrifice of everyone involved in the team leading up to this moment.” added PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes. “This feat shows how far our Women’s National Team has become from an emerging football minnows to perennial contenders not only in Southeast Asia but also in Asia overall.
“Naturally as a team, we want to win all tournaments that we participate in. That is the reason why we train hard and prepare well for each and every competition. In that sense, we are a bit disappointed that we did not make the finals. However, we also set out with our modest goal which is to bring home a medal from the SEA Games here in Vietnam. Congratulations to the Filipinas — they achieved that and after 37 years, our flag was raised again in the football awarding ceremony,” said Team Manager Jefferson Cheng, who was in Vietnam to witness the historic moment. “We are on track with our program to further improve and bring success to this team and the country. Thank you your continued support, it means a lot to all of us. Laban, Filipinas!”
The team delegation returned to Manila Sunday night.
The PWNT is supported by Team Manager Jefferson Cheng, the Philippine Sports Commission, and MVP Sports Foundation
