17 AUGUST 2025
Myanmar women’s football team returns to the ASEAN Women’s Championship final after 10 years, defeating Thailand.
Team Myanmar returned to the final of the 2025 ASEAN Women’s Championship after 10 years by defeating Thailand in the semifinal, held in Vietnam on 16 August. The Myanmar team won 2-1, overcoming Thailand to secure their place in the final.
Although Myanmar took the lead early in the match, Thailand managed to equalize and were soon overtaken again, allowing Myanmar to claim a well-deserved victory. This marked the fifth meeting between Myanmar and Thailand at the semifinal stage of the ASEAN Women’s Championship. Myanmar had previously won their first encounter in 2012 but had lost the last three meetings in 2018, 2019, and 2022. The semifinal victory allowed Myanmar to finally settle the score after a decade. Myanmar head coach Uki Tetsuro made some changes to the match squad, including introducing May Htet Lu as a starter. In the sixth minute, a defensive mistake by Myanmar ’s May Thet Mon Myint led to an early goal for Thailand. Myanmar responded quickly, and in 14 minutes, team captain Win Theingi Htun equalized. The first half ended in a 1-1 draw after further attacks failed to break the deadlock.
In the second half, Thailand applied more pressure, but Myanmar defended solidly and pushed for the winning goal. In 72 minutes, a long-range shot from San Thaw Thaw was blocked by the Thai goalkeeper, resulting in a penalty kick. Win Theingi Htun calmly converted, securing the winning goal. Thailand’s attempts to score again were consistently neutralized by Myanmar’s defenders and goalkeeper Myo Ma Ma Nyein, ensuring Myanmar’s place in the final. In the other semifinal, Australia defeated hosts Vietnam 2-1 to advance to the final. On 19 August, the third-place match will feature Thailand against Vietnam, while Myanmar will face Australia in the final. In the group-stage rematches, Myanmar had previously defeated Australia 2-1, and Vietnam had drawn 0-0 with Thailand. — Ko Nyi Lay/KZL
