It was a tightly contested match with both squads going scoreless after the first half. However, Myanmar got a huge break after earning a penalty from a foul by defender Sofia Harrison inside the box.
The Filipinas protested what looked like a soft call, but the referee was firm with the decision. Win Theingi Tun took a shot and converted it in the 89th minute, beating goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.
The Philippines tried its best to get the equalizer but couldn’t find the back of the net.
The Filipinas beat Myanmar in the last SEA Games, 2-1, to win the bronze medal.
The Philippines will try to bounce back against Malaysia on May 6.
Vietnam currently leads Group A with three points from a 3-0 win over Malaysia. Myanmar is in second place with three points and is just behind Vietnam on goal difference. The Philippines is third with no points, followed by Malaysia also with no points and behind on goal difference.
The top two teams of Group A will move on to the next round.
On the other hand, the Philippines Men’s Under-22 Azkals were up against Timor-Leste at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh last night, May 4, as of press time. / EKA