Vietnam edge Thailand for women’s gold, Myanmar win bronze

Hai Yen Pham’s goal in the third minute of extra-time gave Vietnam their sixth Sea Games gold medal, one more than Thailand with the two nations the only wons to have won the regional title.

Earlier, Myanmar took the bronze after coming from behind to defeat hosts Philippines 2-1 in the play-off.

Final: Thailand 0-1 Vietnam (AET)

It was a repeat meeting of the 2019 AFF Women’s Championship in August, which Vietnam won 1-0, and they dominated from the first blow of the referee’s whistle at the Rizal Memorial Stadium

The Thailand defence, however, held firm as both sides – who drew 1-1 in their Group B encounter earlier in the Games – headed into the break level.

Thailand thought they had the opening goal in the 52nd minute when Orappin Waenngoen headed home a cross but the celebrations were cut short by the referee’s assistant for offside.

That was to be it for regulation time but the final took a dramatic turn three minutes into extra-time as Yen Pham rose high to nod home for Vietnam.

There was to be no way back for Thailand as Vietnam celebrated a deserved triumph.

Third Place Play-off: Myanmar 2-1 Philippines

Two goals in as many minutes saw Myanmar claim the 2019 Sea Games women’s football bronze medal as they edged Philippines 2-1 in the play-off.

Myanmar set the early pace but it was Philippines who came closest in a tight first half, with Sarina Bolden denied by the crossbar in the 39th minute.

Bolden turned provider when Philippines finally opened the scoring in the 59th minute, as she beat Myanmar’s offside trap, relayed the ball to Patrice Impelido, who squared it for Quinley Quezada to slot home.

Myanmar immediately upped their tempo and pressed Philippines, who caved in twice a minute apart as July Kyaw nodded home the equaliser in the 79th minute.

That was followed almost immediately by the second goal as Yee Yee Oo capitalised on Mea Bernal’s poor clearance to slot the ball into the net and secure Myanmar the bronze.