CHONBURI—The young talents of the Philippine women’s team are making their mark at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
Debuting at the SEAG, 21-year-old Mallie Ramirez has emerged as the Filipinas’ top scorer, netting a goal in their 1-2 opening loss to Myanmar and securing the decisive goal in their 1-0 victory over defending champions Vietnam, keeping their semifinal hopes alive.
Eighteen-year-olds Jael Marie Guy and Alexa Pino also made their starts in the attack against Vietnam, proving their mettle alongside the experienced players. Additionally, 19-year-old Isabella Pasion received praise for her strong performance, showcasing her defensive skills in critical moments.
“I’m very proud of all the girls. We started with three young players up front—Mallie, Jael, and Pino—and they fought hard for the result alongside our experienced players,” said Filipinas coach Mark Torcaso.
He commended Pasion for being a “rock” for the team in recent matches, emphasizing her aggressive play.
Torcaso believes the emergence of these young players bodes well for the future of Philippine soccer.
“This group of players aged 18 to 23 is very promising, and it’s an exciting time for our country, not just for the Asian Cup but beyond. I’m thrilled to be part of this journey and hopeful we’ll advance further in the competition,” he added.
