By NIKOLE JAVIER
Sarina Bolden scored a header late in the game as the Philippine women’s football pulled off a 1-0 thriller over Malaysia at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games on Saturday night, May 6, at the Army Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
A very late goal from Bolden off a Sara Eggesvik free kick from the left corner in the added time kept the Filipinas in the semifinals contention.
After opening their campaign with a 1-0 loss at the hands of Myanmar, the Philippines bounced back at the very last minute after some frustrating near misses in the second half.
Just when it looked like the Filipinas would have to settle for a draw that could hurt their semis bid, Sofia Harrison drew a late foul that allowed them to convert a set piece.
The Philippines secured the full three points and moved up in Group A in second place ahead of Myanmar due to a better differential goal, while defending champion Vietnam remained as the top seed with a 2-0 slate.
The Filipinas will have a two-day preparation time before they face the Vietnamese on Tuesday, May 9 to wrap up the pool play.
