The April window in women’s international football drew to a conclusion with a couple of ASEAN powerhouses testing themselves against stern opposition in the last few days.
New Thailand head coach Futoshi Ikeda tasted success with his new side for the first time after they defeated Zambia 3-2, while the Philippines scored eight goals over two matches to make it a perfect start in 2025.
ASEAN United FC takes a look at the latest happenings in women’s football.
Ikeda off the mark in hard-fought win
Thailand participated in the CFA International Yongchuan 2025 tournament which was held in China PR, where they faced a strong Zambia side in their opening match on Saturday.
Zambia finished third in the most recent Women’s African Cup of Nations whilst also beating Costa Rica in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, hence the task was cut out for new Thai head coach Futoshi Ikeda.
Chaba Kaew showed great resolve to come back from 2-1 down to win 3-2 as the former Japan women’s national team head coach tasted success in his new challenge for the first time before they went on to lose 5-1 to hosts and reigning Asian champions China PR on Tuesday.
Stop Filipinas if you can!
Meanwhile, the Philippines were without their star forward Sarina Bolden for this international window as the 28-year-old continues to find her feet in Serie A for Como.
Bolden recently featured in a 2-0 win against Napoli after scoring a 93rd-minute equaliser against Sampdoria but the Filipinas had few problems without their poster girl, scoring as many as eight goals across two matches against UAE.
The Philippines won 4-1 in their first match at the Theyab Awana Stadium in Dubai with Chandler McDaniel netting a brace, and then she was on the scoresheet again in a 4-0 victory just four days later as they started 2025 on a perfect note.
Laos appoint new man at the helm
The Laos women’s national team confirmed the appointment of Jong Song-chon as their new head coach last week after they failed to qualify for the ASEAN MSIG Serenity Cup™, which is scheduled to be held later this year.
Laos lost to Singapore in the ASEAN Women’s Cup and the former Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels and South Korea U20 women’s national team head coach is tasked with reviving women’s football in the nation.
The Laotians have been grouped alongside Uzbekistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers, which will begin in late June.
Photo: Thai Women’s Football
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