This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
Just over a minute away from advancing to the medal round, the Philippine women’s futsal team suffers a heartbreaking loss in the AEAN tournament as Indonesia slots in a game-winner
MANILA, Philippines – Indonesia crashed what, for the most part, looked like a Pinay5 celebration.
The Philippines fell short of advancing into the medal round, losing to Indonesia, 2-1, to finish last in the ASEAN Women’s Futsal tournament on Wednesday, November 20, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Pinay5 had to either take a draw or win the game to have a crack at a bronze medal in the inaugural tournament, but a late Indonesia goal courtesy of Nisma Rusdiana with only 1:11 remaining in the game crushed the Philippines’ hopes.
The Philippines finished the five-country tournament winless, with three losses and one draw.
“The team [is] very disappointed… They were so close,” Pinay5 head coach Vic Hermans said as he consoled his players, who were in tears after the heartbreaking loss.
“This is not what they want, [but] I must say, I am proud of the progression of this team,” Hermans added.
Indonesia led early after Fitriya Hilda converted the game’s first goal, but Isabella Bandoja connected on the Philippines’ equalizer with 8:45 remaining in the first half.
Jada Bicierro almost gave the Philippines the lead late with a one-on-one opportunity, only for Indonesia’s keeper to save the attempt and preserve the stalemate with 1:30 left.
In the ensuing possession, Indonesia caught the Pinay5’s defense napping, allowing Rusdiana to sneak the game-winner to the dismay of the Filipinos in attendance.
For Hermans, the Philippines’ late-game showing proved that the squad still has a steep learning curve to tackle ahead of the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup, which the country will host next year.
“At the last minute, they can score, and that is something they must learn [from]. It is for the [good] of the national team,” Hermans said.
Earlier, Thailand took down Vietnam, 3-0, in a preview of the gold-medal game in the tournament’s final day on Thursday, November 21, at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Indonesia arranged a bronze-medal matchup against Myanmar to round out the rankings. – Rappler.com
