INDAY Tolentino scored the lone goal that lifted the Philippine women’s national futsal team, known as the Filipina5, to 1-0 win over Myanmar on Monday night.
With the win, the Filipina5 opened their 2026 ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship campaign by getting the early Group B lead with Australia.
“I think the most important point is that we played 40 minutes, very, very focused, with high intensity. Also, I think the key is the last five minutes, defending the power play,” said coach Rafa Merida when action ended at the Terminal 21 Korat, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
The win was considered a milestone for the Filipina5, who previously held Myanmar to a 2-2 draw in the 2024 edition in Pasig City.
Myanmar took the control in the starting frame, with aggressive attacks, with Filipina5 goalkeeper Samantha Hughes’ deflection in the 4th minute keeping the Philippine side unscathed.
Tolentin found her chance to score in the 14th minute, following a kick-in and while involved in a double-teaming defense at the right flank,
The 25-year-old Tolentin, scorer of six international futsal goals, wriggled free from the defense and fired the match’s lone goal past Myanmar keeper Chaw Sandi Aung.
The Filipina5 stayed defensive in the second half and kept disrupting Myanmar’s build-up.
Teammates Bhebhe Lemoran and Tolentin forced turnovers and limited Myanmar’s volleys towards goal.
Defensive plays from Lyka Cuenco and newcomer Sarahgen Tulabing kept Myanmar scoreless towards the end of the game.
