* Goals: Theingi Tun 13’, 72’ – Wiranya 6’

Thailand entered the semifinals as runners-up in Group A, facing Group B winners Myanmar. In their last encounter, Thailand lost 4-2 to Myanmar in the semifinals of the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia.

The match at Lach Tray stadium on the afternoon of 16/8 was also a tactical battle between two Japanese coaches, Futoshi Ikeda of Thailand and Tetsuro Uki of Myanmar. It was also the first match in ASEAN women's cup history to use VAR.

Thailand (blue) lost 2-1 to Myanmar (red) in the 2025 ASEAN women's cup semifinal at Lach Tray Stadium, Hai Phong on 16/8/2025. Photo: FAT

Thailand (blue) lost 2-1 to Myanmar (red) in the 2025 ASEAN women's cup semifinal at Lach Tray Stadium, Hai Phong on 16/8/2025. Photo: FAT

The first dangerous chance came in the 5th minute. From 40 meters out, Win Theingi Tun took a shot. The ball sailed high, then dipped to touch the top edge of the crossbar. But in the very next attack, Myanmar conceded a goal from a series of errors. First, their forward lost the ball, then center-back Zune Yu Ya Oo missed a through ball. Finally, Phyu Phwe's clearance hit Wiranya and rolled into their own net.

Whenever they faced difficulty, Myanmar looked to their captain, Win Theingi Tun, and she did not disappoint. In the 14th minute, Myanmar won the ball, counter-attacked, and switched play to the left wing. Natcha Kaewanta missed a header, allowing Theingi Tun to control the ball inside the box and curl a right-footed shot into the top right corner to equalize.

Thailand then regretted two missed chances by 17-year-old forward Madison Casteen in the 18th and 20th minutes. In the 44th minute, Pichayatida's left-footed free-kick from a tight angle on the right forced goalkeeper Mya Mya Nyein into a difficult save.

Win Theingi Tun (red) scored a brace to help Myanmar beat Thailand 2-1 in the 2025 ASEAN women's cup semifinal. Photo: ASEAN United

Win Theingi Tun (red) scored a brace to help Myanmar beat Thailand 2-1 in the 2025 ASEAN women's cup semifinal. Photo: ASEAN United

In the second half, Thailand continued to play more sharply, while Myanmar waited to counter-attack. However, both teams created few chances.

The turning point came in the 70th minute. San Thaw Thaw dribbled down the left wing, approaching the box, then cut inside and shot with her right foot. Center-back Supaporn initially had her hands behind her back, but suddenly brought them forward, enlarging her body and making contact with the ball. Immediately, referee Kim Yu-jeong pointed to the penalty spot. Win Theingi Tun's penalty into the bottom right corner deceived goalkeeper Pawasira, sealing the 2-1 scoreline.

Myanmar could have won by a larger margin had Theingi Tun or Yoon Wadi Hlaing taken advantage of three clear one-on-one opportunities. Thailand tried to rally, but failed to create any clear-cut chances.

This is the first time Thailand has lost in the ASEAN women's cup semifinals since the 2015 tournament. Previously, the team had won five times before securing three titles.

Myanmar also reached the final after 10 years. Forward Win Theingi Tun has shown star quality, scoring seven of the team's eight goals so far, leading the scoring charts. She is three goals away from the record of eight set by Australia's Mary Fowler in 2018.

Myanmar will await the winner of the Vietnam vs. U23 Australia match, taking place at 8 p.m. The final will be held at 8 p.m. on 19/8 at Lach Tray stadium.

Starting lineups:

Thailand: Pawarisa, Supaporn, Pinyaphat Klinklai, Chatchawan, Natcha Kaewanta, Pichayatida Manowang, Wiranya, Karjanathat Phomsri, Pluemjai Sontisawat, Rinyaphat Moodong, Madison Casteen

Myanmar: Myo Mya Mya Nyein, Phyu Phwe, Lin Lae Oo, May Thet Mon Myint, Zune Yu Ya Oo, May Htet Lu, Naw Htet Htet Wai, Phyu Phyu Win, Win Theingi Tun, San Thaw Thaw, Khin Mo Mo Tun.

Hieu Luong