Vietnam’s national women’s football team was denied a chance to defend their SEA Games title following a heartbreaking 5-6 loss to the Philippines in a penalty shootout - after a valid goal was controversially ruled out during regulation time.

The 33rd SEA Games women’s football final, held in Chonburi, saw Vietnam dominate large portions of the match. In the 29th minute, a perfectly executed cross from Van Su on the right flank found Bich Thuy, who powered a header into the back of the net. But the assistant referee raised the flag for offside.

Replays clearly showed Bich Thuy was onside - well behind the last defender - with a gap of more than two meters. Despite this, the goal was disallowed, triggering outrage among fans and coaching staff alike.

Coach Mai Duc Chung: Refereeing decisions ruined the final

“We created a solid performance. The players were disciplined, resilient, and fully deserved a goal. That was a legitimate goal,” said coach Mai Duc Chung after the match.

“I have no criticism for my players. They did everything right and defended well against the aerial threat from the Philippines. But the refereeing was unacceptable,” he said.

“That mistake affected our players’ mentality, ruined the rhythm of the game, and impacted the final result. But we will walk away with our heads held high,” the veteran coach added.

The assistant referee in question, Chanthavong Phutsavan from Laos, had previously officiated multiple SEA Games matches, including Vietnam’s 5-0 victory over Indonesia. She also served in the AFC U22 women’s qualifiers in Vietnam. Despite her international experience, her decision in the final has been widely condemned as one of the most glaring errors of the tournament.

Penalty heartbreak after a goalless 120 minutes

After 90 minutes of regulation and 30 minutes of extra time without a goal, the match was forced into penalties.

Vietnam converted five successful penalties, but Tran Thi Thu missed the sixth. The Philippines converted all six of their spot kicks to claim their first-ever women’s football gold at a SEA Games, making history with a 6-5 win.

Key match moments

·        29’: Van Su crosses for Bich Thuy to score, but the goal is incorrectly ruled offside.

·        90’ & 120’: Regulation and extra time end in a 0-0 draw.

·        Penalty shootout: The Philippines win 6-5 after Tran Thi Thu’s miss.

Emotions run high after final whistle

Vietnam’s players broke down in tears after the match, unable to contain their disappointment. For a team that dominated possession, created more chances, and had a rightful goal disallowed, the loss was bitter.

Images captured after the final showed deep sadness on the faces of coach Mai Duc Chung and his players, who had hoped to defend their title and end the tournament on a high.