DEFENDING champion Philippines suffered a hiccup in its title defense after losing to Australia U23, 1-0, in the MSIG Serenity Cup in Vietnam on Aug. 7, 2025.
The win dropped the Philippines to second in Group B with three points on a win and a loss, just ahead of the Aussies on goal difference.
Myanmar, which defeated Australia, 2-1, is now on top after a convincing 3-0 win over Timor Leste in the other Group B match.
The Filipinas were hoping for a second straight win after a convincing 7-0 over Timor Leste in their debut but spent most of the first half backpedaling against an organized Aussie squad.
Disaster struck in injury time in the first half after Alana Jancevski converting for the lone goal of the match.
The Philippines pressed for an equalizer but the Hali Long’s header was caught by Chloe Lincoln as Australia held on for the win.
Despite the loss, the Philippines still control its fate and needs a win against Myanmar on its final group stage match to advance to the knockout stage.