On the Chonburi pitch on 17/12, the Philippines defeated Vietnam 6-5 in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw over 120 minutes, securing their first-ever SEA Games women's football gold medal. This result ended Vietnam's streak of four consecutive championships.

Philippine fans erupted in emotion in the stands, commented mb.com.ph. Just minutes before, everyone had held their breath watching each tense penalty kick. When the victory was secured, fans, coaching staff, and players alike shared in the historic joy – an unprecedented moment for Philippine women's football.

The news site praised goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel as the Philippines' hero for saving Vietnam's decisive kick to secure the win.

Philippine players celebrate the SEA Games 33 women's football gold medal. Photo: Duc Dong

Meanwhile, Abante considered the gold medal a deserved reward for the Philippines' determined journey at SEA Games 33. In this tournament, the Philippines successively defeated Myanmar 2-1, Vietnam 1-0, and Malaysia 6-0 in the group stage. They then went on to defeat Thailand in the semifinals and Vietnam in the final, both via penalty shootouts.

The final match featured a controversial incident in the 29th minute. Ngan Thi Van Su crossed from the right wing into the penalty area, allowing Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy to rush in with a diving header close to goal, sending the ball into the Philippine net. However, the linesman raised the flag for offside, even though slow-motion replay showed both Van Su and Bich Thuy were clearly onside.

The Inquirer admitted that the Philippines "were lucky to escape defeat because Bich Thuy scored a legitimate goal," while also considering the gold medal victory a historic moment.

Once considered a minnow in Southeast Asian women's football, the Philippines continued to prove their standing after their historic participation in the Women's World Cup. Defeating Vietnam – a team that has dominated the region for many years – is a significant milestone for the nation's women's football, the newspaper commented.

Bich Thuy reacts upon seeing the linesman raise the flag for offside. Photo: Duc Dong

Abs-cbn viewed this achievement as a testament to the Philippines' extraordinary journey in recent years, including their participation in the 2023 Women's World Cup and their first AFF Cup championship in 2022.

After the match, goalkeeper McDaniel said, "Honestly, I did not want to go to penalties again. But we needed to complete the task and had to be united in supporting each other."

Captain Hali Long emphasized, "We did not want to end with a defeat. We put pressure on ourselves, fought to the end to reach the semifinals, the final, and ultimately win the championship."

Hong Duy compiled