Filipinas overpower Timor-Leste, push Australia to the limit in MSIG Serenity Cup

Peter Jandrei Melan

The Philippines women’s national football team kicked off its ASEAN Women’s Championship MSIG Serenity Cup 2025 campaign with a commanding blanksheet, crushing Timor-Leste 7-0 on August 7, before falling in a tight 1-0 battle to tournament powerhouse Australia on August 10 at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho, Vietnam.

The Filipinas erupted with a whirlwind start against Timor-Leste. Aaliyah Schinaman broke through just two minutes in, igniting a relentless first-half assault that left the opponents chasing shadows.

Quinley Quezada doubled the lead minutes later, followed by captain Hali Long’s towering header off a corner in the 9th. Quezada struck again before halftime, her brace cementing a commanding cushion.

The second half became a showcase of depth and chemistry.

Dionesa Tolentin’s quickfire brace in the 57th and 64th minutes underscored the Filipinas’ attacking fluency, while substitute Adelaide Wyrzynski’s composed finish in the 75th sealed the emphatic victory.

Timor-Leste never registered a shot on goal, as the Philippine backline, anchored by Long and Jessika Cowart, snuffed out every attempt to counter.

Facing Australia, the Filipinas met their match in a tense, high-tempo battle. Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel turned away a barrage of attempts, keeping the game goalless until Alana Jancevski’s curling strike found the net seconds before halftime.

Undeterred, the Philippines pushed forward in the second half.

Tolentin forced a diving save from the Australian keeper, Alessandrea Carpio rattled the crossbar, and Malea Cesar’s late header sailed just wide.

Despite the narrow defeat, the spirited performance earned praise from fans and pundits alike, proving the Filipinas can go toe-to-toe with Asia’s elite.

With group play still in motion, the Philippines holds a 1-1 record and stays in the hunt for a semifinal spot. The top two teams in each group advance, putting the Filipinas in a must-win clash against undefeated Myanmar on August 13 for a shot at the final four.