The Philippine Women’s National Football Team commenced its 2022 AFF Women’s Championship campaign with a memorable 1-0 win against the Australian Matildas Under-23 on a rainy Monday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
The Filipinas found a way to break the deadlock following a goalless first half. Philippines striker Sarina Bolden’s header off an Eva Madarang throw-in gave coach Alen Stajcic’s team the priceless lead in the 60th minute.
“Obviously, (it was) an amazing result,” said Stajcic. “The performance from the players was first class. To beat a team that has been ranked in the top 10 for the last 10 years, up as high as number four, is just amazing.”
With a one-goal cushion to protect, the Filipinas remained disciplined at the back. Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel was a rock throughout the contest; she demonstrated her prowess with a timely stop against Matildas forward Sheridan Gallagher.
Bolden had another sniff at goal later in the game but her attempt went wide. The Matildas had a free kick in stoppage time but it hit the Philippines wall.
“From a coaching point of view, I couldn’t really be any prouder. We’ll really enjoy the victory tonight but tomorrow we’ll be back to business. It’s just the start of the tournament,” added Stajcic.
The result means that the Filipinas take 3 points in their first Group A assignment, which is good enough for second place. On the other hand, Australia is currently at 5th place with zero points.
Both teams will return to action on Wednesday at 7:00 PM. The Philippines takes on Singapore at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, while Australia U23 goes up against Thailand at the Imus City Grandstand in Cavite.
Philippines XI: McDaniel (GK), Randle, Sawicki, Long ©, Bolden, Miclat, Frilles, Madarang, Quezada, Guillou, Cowart.
Australia U23 XI: Mathyssen-Whyman (GK), McNamara, Rankin, Hunter, Heatley, Grant ©, Hawkesby, Gallagher, Sayer, Ibini, Blissett.
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Catch the entire 2022 AFF Women’s Championship live on SMART Sports and Puso Pilipinas from July 4-18.
