The Filipina5 rebounded from a losing start with a hard-fought win over Malaysia in the SEA Games 2925 — their first in 18 years.
BANGKOK — The Filipina5 started strong and defended well en route to a 3-1 victory over Malaysia in Group A action of women’s futsal at the SEA Games 2025.
After suffering an initial 1-7 defeat at the hands of Thailand, the Filipina5 rebounded with their first women’s futsal win over Malaysia in 18 years at the Bangkok Nonthaburi University Hall here on Saturday.
Skipper Dionesa Tolentin found the back of the net at the 4th minute to pull the Filipina5 ahead early in the match, it was then followed up by fellow FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup goal scorer Isabella Bandoja just two minutes after.
[RELATED: Inday Tolentin hopes to rally Filipina5 to bounce-back win in SEA Games Futsal]
Though the Filipina5 offense slowed down as the match went by, it was ultimately their defense that helped them hold off the Malaysians to keep their medal hopes alive in the biennial meet.
While Ridzuan Muhammad pulled one back for the Malaysians at the 38th minute, a last-gasp insurance goal from Rocelle Mendano on an empty net got the Filipina5 all three points in the victory — which could prove crucial in the standings.
With Thailand and Malaysia still to face each other on Sunday, December 14, the Filipina5 can get into the medal rounds of the tournament with a win or draw by the hosts in their last preliminary game.
The Filipina5 will now play the waiting game after wrapping up their group games with a 1-1 slate.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.