IT’S deja vu for the Philippines as it takes on Myanmar in the opening match for women’s football of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Chonburi, Thailand.
In 2023, the Philippines lost to Myanmar, 1-0, via a late penalty and missed out a spot in the semifinal round on goal difference despite subsequent victories over Malaysia and Vietnam.
“Our team has been working hard for the last couple of months for this tournament. We’re well-prepared, we know we’re in a very strong group,” said Filipinas coach Marc Torcaso.
Aside from Myanmar, the other teams in Group B are Malaysia and Vietnam.
For this year’s Seag meet, the team is fielding veterans Olivia McDaniel, Hali Long, Sofia Harrison, Jessika Cowart, Malea Cesar, ANgela Beard, Sara Eggesvik, Jaclyn Saicki, Meryll Serrano and Annicka Castaneda.
“We’ve got some very strong teams here and we respect every opponent. But we’ve got a job here to do and that is to become the best team here, and we are very determined to do that,” Torcaso said.
The Philippines face Myanmar at 4:00 pm local time (5:00 pm Manila time) to open Group B of the Sea Games women’s football event.