MANILA – The Philippine women's football team had to settle for the second seed in the AFF Women's Championship after Thailand sneaked in a 1-0 win at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Tuesday night.
Kanyanat Chetthabutr scored the marginal goal for the Thais in the 75th minute after a defensive lapse allowed her to head the ball past Olivia McDaniels.
That was Thailand's best attack in the match that saw the Filipinas pouring it on offensively and giving the Thai backline a run for their money.
Thailand will enter the semis as the only unbeaten team in Group A with four wins and one draw for 13 points even as it dealt the Filipinas their lone loss in the group stage after four straight wins that began with their opening night stunner over Australia.
The result also rendered useless Australia's 6-0 blast against Malaysia at the City of Imus Grandstand as the Matildas have been knocked out of playoff contention.
Had the Filipinas scored the win, Australia's rout would have been enough to clinch the Final 4 seat. (PNA)
