THE ISPE FC women’s team beat the Philippines’ Stallion Laguna FC 3-1 in their final Group A match of the 2025-2026 AFC Women’s Champions League qualifiers, played at Thuwunna Youth Training Centre in Yangon on 31 August, thereby securing qualification.
Although ISPE trailed early after a 13th-minute goal by Laguna’s Davidson, they turned the match around in the second half. Substitutions strengthened their attack, with Sandar Lin equalizing in the 50th minute. Yoon Wady Hlaing’s 70th-minute involvement led to San Thaw Thaw’s header for the second goal, before captain Khin Marlar Tun sealed the win with the third goal in the 89th minute.
Despite missing striker May Htet Lu, ISPE fielded a strong line-up with Khin Marlar Tun, Phyu Phyu Win, San Thaw Thaw, Lynn Myint Mo, and Shwe Yee Htun. Laguna FC, with several Philippines internationals, needed only a draw to top the group but were unable to withstand ISPE’s comeback.
ISPE topped the group with a perfect record, beating Guam’s Strykers 9-0, Mongolia’s Khovd Western 8-0, and Stallion Laguna 3-1, collecting nine points from three matches.
The final stage of the tournament will be held from October 2025 to May 2026, featuring 12 clubs, including champions from Japan, South Korea, Australia, China, and other Asian nations. — Ko Nyi Lay/KZL
