Filipinas edge host Thailand on penalties to reach first-ever SEA Games final

CHONBURI, Thailand – For the first time in Southeast Asian Games history, the Philippines will play in the final of women’s football.

The Filipinas accomplished the breakthrough feat after outlasting host Thailand, winning 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in a nail-biting semifinal clash at the Chonburi Daikin Stadium here on Sunday, December 14.

Jael Marie Guy, Alessandrea Carpio, Sara Eggesvik, and Hali Long converted in succession in the penalty shootout while two Thais misfired as the Philippines arranged a title duel with defending champion Vietnam.

On the brink of getting eliminated as they trailed 0-1 with five minutes left in regulation, the Filipinas caught a lucky break when Thailand got called for a hand ball, resulting in a penalty kick for Guy. 

Guy did not disappoint as she found the back net at the 87th minute for a 1-1 deadlock.

A scoreless extra time led to the penalty shootout, where the Filipinas showed their poise as they broke the hearts of a Thai side seeking a return trip to the finale after settling for bronze in the 2023 edition in Cambodia.

The Philippines gained a 3-2 lead after Pluemjai Sontisawat saw her shot hit the left post and the Thais ultimately bid their golden hopes goodbye following an Orapin Waenngoen kick that flew over the bar. 

By reaching the final, the Filipinas are guaranteed to surpass their best-ever bronze finishes in 1985 and 2019. 

In the other semifinal bracket, Vietnam coasted to a 5-0 rout of Indonesia to stay on course for a fourth consecutive title.

The gold-medal match is set for Wednesday, December 17, at the same venue. – Rappler.com