At this year’s tournament, Viet Nam had previously lost 0–1 to the Philippines in the group stage. That defeat left deep regrets, as Viet Nam controlled the match but failed to convert their chances.
Heading into the final, after overcoming Indonesia in the semi-finals, Viet Nam’s women football players were fully prepared for the target of securing a fifth straight gold medal. The Philippines, meanwhile, were appearing in a SEA Games final for the first time, carrying strong momentum after beating Thailand.
Viet Nam largely controlled the game, creating a series of dangerous moments through attacks down the flanks, while significantly limiting the Philippines’ threats from both wings.
The match’s defining moment was the inexplicable disallowing of a Viet Nam goal. The referee penalised for offside despite Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy being positioned beyond two Philippines players, leaving Viet Nam wrongly deprived of a goal in the final.
Had that legitimate goal been allowed to stand, Viet Nam’s chances of winning the women’s football gold medal at the 2025 SEA Games would have been clear.
