Philippines Women’s National Team captured their maiden SEA Games gold medal, edging Vietnam 6-5 on penalties after a goalless draw in 120 minutes, in the Women’s Football Final in the SEA Games 2025 at Chonburi Stadium, Chonburi.
In the 29th minute, Ngân Thị Vạn Sự delivered a perfect cross from the right, and Bích Thùy rose majestically to head the ball down and into the far corner. Celebrations erupted — only to be cut short by an offside flag.
Replays later confirmed what many suspected: Bích Thùy was clearly onside. Even Philippine media conceded the decision was wrong, once again highlighting the impact of the absence of VAR at the SEA Games.
It was a cruel twist, but also a reminder of Bích Thùy’s status as Vietnam’s most potent attacking weapon.
Across the tournament, Bích Thùy was Vietnam’s standout performer — dynamic, intelligent and fearless. Her brace in the semifinal against Indonesia paved the way to the final, and against the Philippines, she tormented defenders until exhaustion forced her substitution late in extra time.
She symbolised a Vietnam side that never stopped pushing.
Vietnam controlled long spells of the match, pressing aggressively and showing marked improvement from their earlier group-stage defeat. Coach Mai Đức Chung’s players matched physicality with heart, refusing to be overpowered.
The Philippines, meanwhile, executed their game plan with discipline — defending deep, exploiting set pieces and trusting in their penalty-taking nerve, just as they had against Thailand in the semifinals.
After 120 minutes without a goal, the final moved to penalties. Vietnam held their nerve for much of the shootout, but one save proved decisive, handing the Filipinas their first-ever SEA Games gold medal — a landmark moment for Philippine women’s football.
Credit Photo : PFF
