Vietnam lose to Philippines on penalties in SEA Games women’s football final after disputed offside call
The Vietnamese women’s football team lost 6-5 to the Philippines on penalties after a 0-0 draw following extra time in the final at the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on Wednesday, missing out on the gold medal.
Vietnam’s women’s football team (in red) presses forward against the Philippines during the 2025 Southeast Asian Games women’s football final in Thailand, December 17, 2025. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre
Vietnam controlled possession for long periods of the match but were denied a first-half goal when a header was ruled offside, a decision that drew protests from Vietnamese players and officials.
Neither side were able to break the deadlock over 120 minutes, with the Philippines growing into the game in extra time, before the final was decided in a penalty shootout.
Players of the Philippines celebrate as Tran Thi Thu of Vietnam reacts after missing the decisive penalty during the women’s football final at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, December 17, 2025. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre
The shootout went to a sixth round, where Vietnam defender Tran Thi Thu had her effort saved by goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, allowing the Philippines to secure a historic SEA Games women’s football title.
The loss ended Vietnam’s run as champions at the past four SEA Games editions, while the Philippines won their first women’s football gold.
Bao Anh - Hoai Du - Tuan Long - Quoc Thang / Tuoi Tre News