Myanmar retains women's football bronze after deating Malditas

MANILA -- In the most painful way possible, the Philippines missed out on the podium when Myanmar came from a goal down to win 2-1 in the bronze medal match of the women's football tournament Sunday evening at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Two minutes was all the Asian Lionesses did to overturn a second-half deficit, extending the agonzing drought on the Malditas to 34 years and won their 40th bronze in the biennial meet by negating their ceiling advantage by the host nation and silencing the 3,000 strong crowd in the process.

Forward Sarina Bolden had the closest chance in the goalless first half, only being denied by the left post after pouncing on a bad header by Khin Than Wai and Mya Phu Ngon that lead into an empty net.

However, she redeemed herself in the 58th minute by latching on to a diagonal ball by Sara Castaneda, and picked out Quinley Quezada who tapped it home for the opener, and could have gone 2-0 up with 16 minutes remaining but Bolden only hit the side netting.

Myanmar's blitzing speed and their attack in numbers bore fruit in the 78th minute when July Kyaw tucked home the equalizer after threatening Inna Palacios earlier with the free kick that went off the crossbar.

And in quick-fire fashion, Yee Yee Oo latched on the 80th minute winner after being picked on by substitute Khin Moe Wai after catching the Malditas defense at a disadvantage when Hali Long joined in on a set piece.

Substitute Eva Madarang could have gotten on to force at least to penalties but the lineswoman's flag had denied them with two minutes remaining before full time.

Philippines: Palacios (GK), Lim, Long, Rodriguez (Madarang 56'), Dolino, Bolden, Quezada, Impelido (C), Castaneda, Bernal, Del Campo (Lemoran 72')

Myanmar: Phu Ngon (GK), Than Wai, Thazin, Kyaw, Mo Mo Tun (Thaw Thaw 30'), Marlar Tun (C), Aye Aye Moe, Nge Nge Htwe (Thin Thin Yu 62'), Chit Chit, Nu Nu (Khin Moe Wai 54'), Yee Yee Oo

https://www.dugout.ph/myanmar-retains-womens-football-bronze