By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
WHILE admitting that it felt painful to miss out on a podium finish, still the Philippine football women’s national team is not looking at its 30th Southeast Asian Games campaign anything less.
Defeated in the bronze medal game by Myanmar, 2-1, on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, the Philippine Malditas were left ruing but nonetheless grateful and positive to have been able to put up a spirited fight in front of the hometown fans throughout the competition and vowed to continue improving.
“The players really improved in the tournament, from the training two months back all the way to the competition. We may have lost but I’m proud of them. It is painful but it would help improve the team,” said national team coach Let Dimzon after their campaign ended.
The Malditas were on track for a bronze medal against Myanmar when Quinley Quezada gave the Philippines a 1-0 lead in the 57th minute.
But the Burmese side was not be deterred by it and came back strong, scoring back-to-back goals care of July Kyaw and Yee Yee O in the 77th and 79th minute to seize the upper hand.
The host team tried desperately to rally back but Myanmar would hold on for the win and the bronze medal.
“Despite the loss I think in this tournament we showed what we are capable of doing. We just have to keep the players together and add the needed pieces,” said Ms. Dimzon.
The Malditas coach was also thankful for the fan support their team received throughout the competition.
“It was huge for the morale of the team to see all the support we got. We’re very thankful and it was really heart-warming,” Ms. Dimzon said.
After the SEA Games, the Malditas would start preparing for the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship which the country is hosting next year.
