The Philippine Women’s National Football Team breathed new life into its semifinal campaign after pulling off a dramatic 1-0 victory over Vietnam, the defending Southeast Asian Games champions, behind a late strike from Mallie Ramirez.

Ramirez delivered the match-winner four minutes into stoppage time, breaking the deadlock in a tense, back-and-forth contest.

The forward calmly slotted the ball home off a well-executed set piece, capping a composed attacking sequence that caught the Vietnamese defense flat-footed.

Both sides traded chances throughout the night, with the Filipinas showing improved defensive discipline and sharper transitions compared to their earlier group outings.

Vietnam, meanwhile, pushed aggressively but struggled to convert possession into clear opportunities against a resolute Philippine backline.

As the clock ticked toward full time, head coach Mark Torcaso’s side continued to press, sensing an opening against the tiring Vietnamese squad.

The decisive moment came deep in added time after the Filipinas won a late set piece—eventually leading to Ramirez’s composed finish that sent the Philippine bench erupting in celebration.

The result keeps the Philippines firmly in contention for a semifinal berth heading into a must-win showdown against Malaysia on December 11.

A victory there could seal their return to the SEA Games knockout round and mark another milestone in the team’s steadily rising regional campaign.