The Philippines share a point with Myanmar in their opening match of the ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship.
The Philippine women’s national futsal team began their 2024 ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship campaign with an optimistic start, drawing 2-2 with Myanmar at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig Saturday, November 16.
After taking the early lead thanks to Isabella Bandoja, the Pinay5 had to dig deep to equalize late after Myanmar struck twice following the hosts’ initial goal at the 12th minute.
Lwin Lwin Thet first equalized in the 25th minute, before Yoon Mie Mie Lwin pulled the advantage back for the visitors at the 32nd minute.
But it wasn’t long before sub Agot Danton leveled the score anew for the Philippines to split the points after their opening match.
After the match, Bandoja was delighted after being able to go toe-to-toe in front of the home crowd.
“Medyo nakasabay [kami]. Sabi nga namin lagi, well prepared and then gagawin namin lahat para sa good result and para sa mga sumusuporta samin,” she said.
Head coach Vic Hermans also lauded the Pinay5’ effort to comeback from 2-1, despite the pressure of playing in front of their countrymen in the PhilSports Arena.
“The beginning is not so easy, of course, the pressure is there for the players, I understand. But… to start the game at halftime, 1-0, then coming back from 2-1… I think I can live with that,” said Hermans.
But it’s going to be a quick turnaround for the hosts as they are slated to face Thailand Sunday night, the highest ranked team in the region.
Currently 6th in the world, the Philippines (59th) will face a tall task of scoring an upset over the Thais. But hoping to ride the home crowd, the Pinay5 will look to surprise their opponents.
“Sobrang na-amaze ako sa support nila samin. Parang nakaka-goosebumps. Until now, naiisip ko parin sobrang goosebumps. Lalo na nung nakagoal,” said Bandoja, who is hoping for another crowd against Thailand.
“Syempre, ang sarap sa feeling po na ang dami paring sumusuporta samin.” she added.
The Pinay5 kick off against Thailand at 7 p.m., tonight, still at the PhilSports Arena.