AFF Women's Cup Final: Australia pays off old debt or Myanmar becomes queen, war of words before G-hour

At 8pm on August 19, the 2025 Southeast Asian women's football tournament will explode with the final match between Myanmar and U.23 Australia. In their second encounter at the tournament, will Australia repay the 'debt' or will Myanmar retain the cup for the region?

Myanmar: Steadfast with resilient play

Considered a team with a strong physical foundation and tight defensive tactics, Myanmar has shown remarkable progress in this year's tournament. Under the leadership of coach Uki Tetsuro, Myanmar not only impressed with their solid defense but also knew how to take advantage of attacking opportunities. The stability of the defense and the ability to counterattack quickly are the strengths of this team.

Striker Win Theingi Tun, with seven goals in the tournament, is Myanmar’s biggest hope. However, in a press conference before the final, coach Uki Tetsuro still emphasized that the team’s victory is more important than any individual.

AFF Women's Cup Final Review: Will the Queen Stay in Southeast Asia?

“Australia U23 has improved a lot since the opening match. Tomorrow will be a real challenge. Even though we only have two days to recover, we will fight with all our determination," said the head coach of Myanmar.

Player Khin Marlar Tun could not hide his excitement: “The championship will be a great source of motivation for Myanmar women's football and the young generation. We will focus and fight until the last minute.”

Myanmar’s weaknesses may be their physicality and lack of squad depth when facing teams with diverse and fast-paced playing styles like Australia U23. Furthermore, if they cannot control their opponents’ play, Myanmar may have difficulty maintaining the game and scoring.

U.23 Australia's goal to narrow the gap in the group stage against Myanmar

U.23 Australia: Outstanding physique and fitness

After the defeat against Myanmar in the group stage, U.23 Australia has shown remarkable progress. Under the direction of coach Joe Palatsides, the kangaroo team has significantly improved their playing style and achieved impressive results in the following matches. U.23 Australia possesses a strong ball control style of play, with sharp attacking ability and solid defense.

With superior physique, U.23 Australian women have many advantages in the disputes.

PHOTO: MINH TU

However, U.23 Australia also has weaknesses when facing teams that play tight defense and counterattack quickly like Myanmar. Having to endure pressure from a solid defense can make it difficult for Australian players to launch attacks. However, the victory over Vietnam - the host, in front of more than 16,000 spectators, has given this team more confidence and great determination for the final match.

Coach Joe Palatsides of the Australian U.23 team affirmed that the team has changed a lot after the defeat against Myanmar: "We arrived in Vietnam late, not used to the weather, but since then the team has improved significantly. We will maintain the ball possession style of play - if we can do that, the opponent will have a hard time scoring."

Midfielder Amy Chessari said the opening defeat was the fuel that fuelled the team: “After the win over Vietnam in front of over 16,000 spectators, we were very confident. If we were to win, it would be a huge step forward for the young generation of Australian players and for our women’s football.”

Dramatic rematch

Both Myanmar and U.23 Australia have their own strengths, promising an exciting and dramatic match. Myanmar has a tight playing style and solid defense, while U.23 Australia has a balanced squad and an effective fast attacking style. The difference may lie in the ability to take advantage of opportunities and maintain stability throughout the match.

The Australian U.23 team has an even line-up.

PHOTO: MINH TU

Will U.23 Australia be able to avenge their loss and win the tournament this year, or will Myanmar continue to make history as the Southeast Asian champion? All will be decided in the reunion at 8pm on August 19.

Before that, at 4:30 p.m. the same day, the Vietnamese women's team will enter the third-place match against Thailand, an equally exciting match.

Watch the MSIG Serenity Cup™ 2025 AFF Women's Football Championship live and in full onFPT Play, visit http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chung-ket-aff-cup-nu-uc-tra-no-cu-hay-myanmar-len-ngoi-hau-khau-chien-truoc-gio-g-185250818122522235.htm