Nina Mathelus scored her first international goal vs. Myanmar in 2025 MSIG Serenity Cup. PFFBy: Gil Moriones
MANILA -- The unexpected turnaround for the Filipinas came as their defending champions’ privilege came to an end after settling for only a 1-1 draw vs. Myanmar in the last Group Stage match of the 2025 ASEAN Women's MSIG Serenity Cup, Wednesday night at Lạch Tray Stadium, Haiphong, Vietnam.
Their target of a 2-goal cushion did not materialize after the early lead of Myanmar in the 32nd minute, when Filipinas' goalie Olivia McDaniel tripped the opposing team captain while trying to stop her offensive drive in the penalty box.
Team Captain Win Theing Tun easily converted her spot kick to take the lead in the 33rd minute, 1-0.
McDaniel redeemed herself after she stopped a running attempt by the red kits to prevent a possible 2-0 lead for Myanmar before halftime commenced.
Her sister, Chandler McDaniel, also initiated her own attempts in desperation, but was halted twice by the Myanmar keeper.
After 25 minutes of struggle to find answers, Nina Mathelus booted her first international goal as a senior Filipina to force the game into a 1-1 equalizer in the 70th minute, thanks to a feed cross from her teammate.
They needed to score two more to widen their gap against Myanmar, but time was not on their side.
Myanmar were determined to go out in a clean record, but Olivia produced a heroic save after stopping the fiery attempt of Yoon Wadi Hlaing. Yoon was able to rebound the ball and launch a second attempt, but this time, Azumi Oka defended it.
As the game ended in a 1-1 draw, points were shared between the two sides, but Myanmar topped Group B with seven points, while Australia U23 became the neophyte semifinalist after beating Timor Leste with a 9-0 scoreline to collect six points.
The identical win-draw-loss record of the Filipinas was not enough to progress, effectively ending their championship reign that they had enjoyed for almost three years.
Myanmar will face Thailand, while the young Matildas will battle tournament hosts Vietnam.
