Chandler McDaniel’s return just got better as she scored twice in the Philippine Women’s National Football Team’s 8-0 win over host nation Tajikistan to take solo lead in Group E of the Paris 2024 Asian Qualifiers, Sunday (Manila time) at the Hisor Central Stadium.
Coming on as a halftime substitute, McDaniel scored in the 60th and 89th minutes of the match to complete the Filipinas’ eight-goal win over Tajikistan.
With the victory, the Philippines is now on top of Group E with 6 points behind back-to-back wins and a goal difference of plus-12.
Hong Kong is in second place with six points but with a goal difference of plus-6.
The first half saw Alen Stajcic’s wards score six goals against the home side. Sofia Harrison broke the deadlock in the 26th minute to set the tone for the Filipinas.
Skipper Tahnai Annis doubled the team’s lead in the 28th minute.
Carleigh Frilles, Quinley Quezada, and Meryll Serrano then put the ball at the back of the net in the 31st, 35th, and 38th minutes of the match, respectively.
Just before the halftime break, Maya Alcantara scored the team’s sixth goal in the 45+3 minute.
Pakistan and Tajikistan yet to put up a point with the former in third place due to a superior goal difference over the latter.
The Filipinas look to finish on a high when they take on Hong Kong this Tuesday at 7:00 PM
Tajikistan XI: Saiyora (GK, C), Karina, Dildora, Madina, Niso, Marjonia, Komila, Dzhonona, Marjona, Shamsiya, Benazir.
Philippines XI: Alcantara, Annis ©, Pasion, Bonta, Serrano, Eggesvik, Frilles, Harrison, Barker, Quezada, Fontanilla (GK).
