It was bound to happen—a rematch a year in the making, and this time, the ending was different.
The Philippines and Iran—undefeated and dominant all tournament long—clashed in a high-stakes finale Friday at the 2025 Women’s Ice Hockey Asia Cup in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
On paper, Iran had the edge. It was the reigning champion and had beaten the Philippines in the 2024 final. And just 12 minutes into the match, Iran looked ready to repeat, with Asal Sadeghi scoring the game’s first goal.
But the Filipinas had other plans.
Just before the first period ended, Illeana Venice Jimenez found the back of the net off a perfect assist from Gerardine Ling Go, tying the match 1-1. Momentum shifted quickly. Early in the second period, Jazmin Cian Alcido scored, and three minutes later, Bianca Yasmine Cuevas added another, putting the Philippines up 3-1.
A penalty for having too many players on the ice gave Iran a power play opportunity late in the second, which it capitalized on to close the gap to 3-2.
The final period tested the Filipinas’ resolve. Jimenez was penalized twice—first for tripping, then for cross-checking—giving Iran a chance to turn the tide. But the defense held, and with the pressure mounting, Alcido scored her second goal, this time assisted by Mikayla Dominique Pe Aguirre.
It sealed a stunning 4-2 win—and a historic championship—for the Philippines, which had opened the tournament with a 15-0 rout of Kyrgyzstan.
From redemption to glory, the Filipinas claimed their place atop Asia’s hockey stage.
