The Philippine national women’s futsal team, known as the Pinay 5, concluded their journey in the inaugural ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship 2024 with a valiant effort that showcased their growing potential in the sport. Despite finishing in fifth place with a 0-1-3 record, the tournament served as a valuable experience for the team as they prepare for the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup in 2025, which the Philippines will proudly host.
Nov. 16: Philippines vs Myanmar
The Pinay 5 opened their campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Myanmar. Team captain Isabella Bandoja and Shai del Campo led the charge, with the squad demonstrating their determination and spirit before an energized home crowd at the PhilSports Arena.
Head coach Vic Hermans, while confident in the team’s abilities, had tempered expectations given the short preparation period of just two to three months. “They already know what we want. But I will be honest, it will not be easy,” Hermans shared before the match.
Bandoja reflected the team’s sentiments, saying, “We might have had a short time to prepare, but we made sure to make each day count.”
First Half: Philippines Strikes First
The game began with Myanmar putting early pressure on the Philippine defense, but goalkeeper Mykaella Abeto stepped up with several key saves. The defense, led by standout Shai del Campo, kept the Burmese attack at bay, with del Campo making a crucial block to deny a close-range effort.
The Pinay 5 employed a possession-based strategy, steadily building up their attacks. This patience paid off when team captain Isabella Bandoja broke through Myanmar’s defense with a dazzling solo run. Her goal in the 8:38 mark gave the Philippines a 1-0 lead, igniting cheers from the home crowd.
The Filipinas nearly doubled their lead when Althea Rebosura, the pride of Payatas, unleashed a powerful shot that rattled the woodwork at the 4:40 mark. While the team held their ground defensively, Myanmar struggled to find their rhythm as the first half ended with the Philippines ahead.
Second Half: Myanmar Responds, Philippines Fights Back
Myanmar came out aggressively in the second half, showing the urgency of a team determined not to lose. Their pressure bore fruit early when Lwin Lwin Thet capitalized on a quick one-two play with Than Than Wai to equalize at the 16:56 mark.
Momentum shifted further in Myanmar’s favor when a handball by Cathrine Graversen inside the penalty arc gave Myanmar a golden opportunity to take the lead. Substitute goalkeeper Samantha Hughes initially saved Yun Mi Mi Lwin’s penalty, but Lwin quickly recovered to slot home the rebound, putting Myanmar up 2-1 with eight minutes remaining.
Late Heroics: Danton Saves the Day
With their backs against the wall, the Pinay 5 displayed remarkable resilience. Just 48 seconds after Myanmar took the lead, Agot Danton of Payatas F.C. pounced on a loose ball following a missed attempt by Hazel Lustan, striking the equalizer to bring the game to 2-2.
As time wound down, Myanmar’s physicality continued to test the Filipinas, with captain Bandoja taking several hard fouls. In the 34th minute, Myanmar committed their sixth foul, giving the Philippines a crucial second penalty shot. Graversen’s attempt was blocked by Burmese keeper Chaw Sandi Aung, who also denied a follow-up shot by Jada Bicierro.
With just seven seconds remaining, Graversen launched a Hail Mary attempt from long range, but her shot sailed over the bar, sealing the 2-2 draw.
Post-Match Reactions
Head coach Vic Hermans expressed mixed emotions after the match. While satisfied with the team’s ability to respond under pressure, he stressed the importance of maintaining composure after taking a lead. “Next time, the girls must control that,” Hermans remarked, highlighting the need for mental and physical endurance in high-stakes games.
Captain Isabella Bandoja acknowledged the team’s fatigue and loss of stamina in the second half but vowed to improve in their next matches. “We’ll make sure that Thailand will have a hard time with us,” she declared.
Philippine Football Federation President John Anthony Gutierrez praised the Pinay 5’s teamwork and discipline, noting their significant improvement from previous tournaments. “Myanmar is a very physical team, but our girls played with purpose. This is a good start for the tournament,” Gutierrez said, encouraging fans to continue supporting the team.
Watch the full livestream of the game on the Philippine Football Federation’s Facebook Page
Nov. 17: Philippines vs Thailand
The Philippine national women’s futsal team, the Pinay 5, faced a daunting challenge against powerhouse Thailand in the 2024 ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship. Despite a 0-7 loss, the match highlighted the emergence of 16-year-old goalkeeper Samantha Hughes, who delivered a remarkable performance during her second-half stint.
Held at the PhilSports Arena on Sunday, the match underscored the vast gulf in experience and skill between the Philippines, the tournament’s lowest-seeded team, and Thailand, a world-ranked No. 6 and five-time SEA Games champion. Yet, the Filipinas showed heart and resilience, particularly in the closing stages of the game.
First Half: Thailand Dominates Early
Thailand wasted no time asserting their dominance. They displayed clinical precision, netting six goals in the opening 30 minutes. Sangrawee Meekham led the charge with a brace, while Samitree Mamyalee, Paerploy Huajaipetch, Lalida Chimpabut, and Hataichanok Tappakun also added their names to the scoresheet.
The Filipinas struggled to contain Thailand’s relentless attack but managed to create a glimmer of hope just before halftime. Team captain Isabella Bandoja combined with Lanie Ortillo in a fast break, forcing a sharp save from Thai keeper Sasiprapha Suksen in the final ten seconds of the first half.
Second Half: Hughes Shines
With the score at 0-6, head coach Vic Hermans introduced Samantha Hughes, a 16-year-old Brisbane-based player of Ilonggo descent, into the game. Hughes made an immediate impact, providing a much-needed spark for the Pinay 5.
Her entry marked a turning point in the team’s defensive performance. Hughes made seven critical saves, conceding only one goal—a late strike by Nattamon Artkla off an assist from Huajaipetch. Beyond her defensive heroics, Hughes demonstrated offensive awareness, launching two long-range shots on goal and initiating a promising play for Agot Danton in the final five minutes, which was ultimately saved by Thai substitute keeper Nuenruthai Sorahong.
“I think the team performed really well, and as a young player, I’m really honored to be part of this team and get this experience,” Hughes said post-match. “I believe that I played really well, and with my teammates cheering each other on, we put out our heart and soul in this team.”
Coach and Leadership Praise Hughes
Head coach Vic Hermans commended Hughes’ performance, highlighting her potential and the importance of maintaining the team’s development program. “I have good goalkeepers, and Mykaella [Abeto] is always number one, but Samantha is 16 years old. It’s unbelievable,” Hermans remarked.
Thai coach Surapong Plyouwong, who previously worked under Hermans, echoed these sentiments. “The Philippines must stay together because they will definitely improve under Coach Hermans,” he noted, adding that tactical refinement and execution will be key to the team’s progress.
Watch the full livestream of the game on the Philippine Football Federation’s Facebook Page
Nov. 19: Philippines vs Vietnam
The Philippine women’s national futsal team showed grit and determination against world-ranked No. 11 Vietnam in the 2024 ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship, despite falling short in a 1-6 loss on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena. Missing key players due to injuries, the Pinay 5 delivered an impressive first-half performance, but Vietnam’s experience and second-half adjustments proved decisive.
The defeat left the Philippines in a must-draw or must-win scenario against Indonesia on Wednesday to secure a spot in the bronze medal match.
First Half: A Fierce Start from the Pinay 5
The Pinay 5, anchored by 16-year-old goalkeeper Samantha Hughes, began the match with confidence and energy. Their aggressive play resulted in 59% possession and 17 shots on goal—a remarkable feat against a team ranked 48 places higher in the FIFA women’s futsal rankings.
Wingers Lanie Ortillo and Agot Danton led the attack with four promising strikes between them, but Vietnamese keeper Ngo Nguyen Thuy Linh was steadfast, denying every attempt.
Despite dominating possession, the Philippines found themselves trailing after a costly turnover. Vietnam’s Tran Thi Lan Mai intercepted Ortillo’s pass near the Philippine goal and scored in the 7:17 mark, giving Vietnam a narrow 1-0 lead at halftime.
Second Half: Injuries and Vietnam’s Offensive Surge
The second half began with a major setback for the Philippines as team captain Isabella Bandoja was stretchered off with a leg injury just 16 seconds into play. Vietnam capitalized quickly, with Le Thi Thanh Ngan doubling their lead in the 19:13 mark.
The Pinay 5 responded valiantly, with substitute winger and Filipinas standout Shai del Campo scoring her first international futsal goal in the 22nd minute off a setup from Hazel Lustan. However, this spark of hope was short-lived as Vietnam unleashed a barrage of goals.
Tran Thi Lan Mai added her second goal, while Nguyen Phuong Anh, K’Thua K’Thua, and Tran Thi Thu Xuan scored from set-piece plays, taking advantage of the Philippines’ fatigue and injuries.
Coach and Leadership Reactions
Head coach Vic Hermans praised his team’s strong first-half performance and their ability to match Vietnam in possession and chances early on. “Honestly, you can play with them. When you have the same fitness, you can play,” Hermans told his players during halftime.
Despite the second-half struggles, Philippine Football Federation President John Anthony Gutierrez highlighted the team’s progress and potential. “Save for Vietnam’s first-half goal, we shot more on target and held more possession, which is a testament to the Pinay 5’s immense talent and world-class team play. Now it’s just a matter of sustaining that strength,” Gutierrez said, looking ahead to the team’s journey toward the 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup.
Vietnam’s head coach Nguyen Dinh Hoang acknowledged the Philippines’ impressive first half, saying, “They brought much pressure on Vietnam.” He credited his team’s second-half success to adjustments in set-piece strategies.
Key Performances and Injuries
- Samantha Hughes, stepping in for the injured Mykaella Abeto, delivered another courageous performance in goal, despite conceding six times.
- Shai del Campo stood out with her milestone international futsal goal, reflecting her dual-sport excellence from the Filipinas football squad.
- Bandoja, del Campo, and Claire Ann Lubetania all sustained injuries, adding to the team’s challenges heading into their next match.
Despite the loss, the Pinay 5 remained in contention for a podium finish. They faced Indonesia on Wednesday in a do-or-die match. A draw or win would propel the team to Thursday’s bronze medal match, eliminating Myanmar in the process.
Hughes, optimistic as ever, rallied her team for the critical encounter: “I think the whole team knows that the next game is really important. We’re all set on trying to get a tie or win to keep pushing forward.”
The Pinay 5’s spirited play throughout the tournament demonstrates the progress of Philippine futsal. With each match, the team grows stronger, gaining valuable experience as they prepare for future international competitions, including hosting the 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup.
Watch the full livestream of the game on the Philippine Football Federation’s Facebook Page
Nov. 20: Philippines vs Indonesia
The Philippine women’s national futsal team concluded its inspiring run in the inaugural ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship with a nail-biting 2-1 loss to regional rival Indonesia on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig. Despite falling short of a bronze medal match berth, the Pinay 5 showcased incredible progress, resilience, and talent throughout the tournament, signaling a bright future for Philippine futsal.
A Match of Grit and Determination
The game against world No. 24 Indonesia was a back-and-forth battle. Both teams traded goals early in the first half. Indonesian pivot Alya Ananda Hendrita scored in the 7th minute, lofting a precise goal past Philippine starting keeper Mykaella Abeto off a long pass from Novita Murni Piranti.
The Philippines responded just two minutes later, with team captain Isabella Bandoja dribbling past Dhea Bangun and delivering a sharp, angled shot from the right wing to equalize.
The Pinay 5 exploited Indonesia’s defensive gaps on the flanks, creating opportunities for Lanie Ortillo and Jada Bicierro. Despite their efforts, Indonesian goalkeeper Sella Agustin held firm, stopping multiple attempts throughout the match.
In the second half, Samantha Hughes, the 16-year-old standout who replaced an injured Abeto in the 24th minute, made several crucial saves to keep the game level. However, with just 1:11 left on the clock, Indonesia broke through. A kick-in from Piranti found Nisma Francida Rusiana, who executed a perfectly placed nutmeg goal to give Indonesia the lead.
The Pinay 5 had one last chance to equalize, but Ortillo’s right-flank shot was gathered by Agustin, and Bicierro’s final attempt was blocked as time expired.
Heart and Progress Amidst Challenges
Despite the loss, the Pinay 5’s journey through the tournament was a story of growth and resilience. The team held its own against significantly higher-ranked opponents, including a draw with world No. 37 Myanmar and competitive showings against world No. 6 Thailand and world No. 11 Vietnam.
“This is not the end of our futsal campaign, but the beginning of futsal fever in the Philippines,” said Philippine Football Federation President John Anthony Gutierrez, emphasizing the team’s potential and the momentum gained ahead of the country’s hosting of the 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup.
Standout Performances
- Louiraine Evangelista, a 15-year-old sensation, wowed fans with her exceptional dribbling and attacking instincts. Coach Vic Hermans praised her as a “rough diamond” with a bright future in the sport.
- Samantha Hughes once again demonstrated her composure under pressure, making key saves in the second half.
- Isabella Bandoja, the team captain, provided leadership and the lone goal for the Pinay 5 in the match.
Looking Ahead: Building on Momentum
Coach Vic Hermans, a futsal legend, expressed pride in the team’s progress and outlined his vision for the future. “The future of futsal is pressing high-press. And that is where I want to go with this team. They must run a lot next year in the training sessions,” he explained.
The team will compete in the 2025 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers in Uzbekistan in January and has plans for friendly matches in Europe to continue developing their skills and experience.
The Pinay 5’s performance in the ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship marked the Philippines’ return to high-level women’s futsal after a 13-year hiatus. From their stunning opening-day draw against Myanmar to their valiant efforts against regional powerhouses, the team has ignited hope and excitement for futsal in the Philippines.
Coach Hermans thanked the fans and supporters for their unwavering belief in the team. “Totally, I’m very proud [of our] progression. These players never gave up. And that’s what we need.”
With the groundwork laid and the nation rallying behind them, the Pinay 5 is poised for even greater achievements in the years to come.
Watch the full livestream of the game on the Philippine Football Federation’s Facebook Page
Looking Forward to More Growth and Learning
The Pinay 5 finished the tournament in fifth place, but their campaign was far from a failure. It marked an important step in their development as they prepare for the 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup.
Hermans, who was brought in to elevate the Philippines’ futsal program, expressed optimism for the team’s future. “This journey is filled with risks and challenges,” he said. “But we are here to face them. With the right combination and the support of our partners, we can achieve a lot.”
Bandoja echoed the team’s gratitude and determination: “We gave everything we had. We’ll take what we’ve learned here and use it to grow stronger for the future.”
The ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship served as a valuable stage for the Philippines to test their mettle against the region’s best teams. While the results may not have gone their way, the lessons learned and the experience gained will undoubtedly contribute to their preparations for the global stage in 2025.
With the support of the Philippine Football Federation, The Henry V. Moran Foundation, and the fans, the Pinay 5’s journey continues with a clear mission: to bring pride to the country and make their mark in the world of futsal.