The Philippine Women’s National Team remarkable run in the AFF Women’s Championship 2019 ended following a 2-1 loss to Vietnam in the semifinal held last Sunday, 25 August 2019 at the Institute of Physical Education in Chonburi, Thailand.
The Philippines took a shock lead in the 35th minute. An errant back pass by the Vietnamese defense looped over the goalkeeper for an own goal.
Vietnam, however, found the equalizer six minutes later for a 1-1 half-time score.
With extra-time and penalties on the horizon, Vietnam dashed the Philippines’ final hopes with the marginal goal in the 57th minute.
The Philippines looked for the all-important equalizer but Vietnam’s defense stifled every attack.
Despite the loss, head coach Marnelli Dimzon praised her team for the effort they have put on in their semifinal run.
“This group of players have a lot of potential in them,” said Dimzon. “Our campaign here bids well for the upcoming tournaments that this team will compete in.”
The Philippines, which is managed by Jefferson Cheng and supported by Philippine Sports Commission and MVP Sports Foundation, will still have a chance for a podium finish when they face Myanmar in the 3rd/4th place Play-off on Tuesday, 27 August 2019.