Eighteen-year-old Alexa Pino couldn’t hide her excitement — and who could blame her?
In just her second senior cap for the Philippine Women’s National Team, the Filipino-American forward produced the moment of the match, and perhaps the tournament so far: a stunning 81st-minute curler with her left foot that sealed a commanding 3-0 win over Saudi Arabia in their opening fixture of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers.
It was Pino’s first-ever senior international goal — and it was a beauty.
The strike didn’t just light up the crowd; it capped off a composed and confident performance that earned her Player of the Match honors.
“Definitely, I felt it coming,” said Pino to Filipino football commentator Claro Manzano and Laban Filipinas’ Venice Furio.
“I had a couple of shots in the first half, like one right over the bar. They were giving the inside, so I kept taking it with my weak foot and just shooting, hoping it would go on target. I was very excited when that went in. I was very happy.”
Breaking into any senior team is never easy — more so for someone like Pino, whose teammates include seasoned veterans and World Cup campaigners.
Many of the players she now shares the pitch with were part of the historic 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad in New Zealand.
The pressure to live up to the badge, and to the team’s rising standard, is immense.
But Pino’s joy was undeniable — not just from scoring, but from being embraced by a group that’s become a second family.
“Never in a million years would I have ever imagined this,” said the former Philippine U-17 standout.
“Growing up, I always loved playing soccer, but to be a part of this group of women is just amazing. The chemistry within the team, while coming in as a younger player, is a little intimidating, but they are all very comforting and welcoming. It really makes the environment so good.”
The Filipinas now find themselves in a strong position in Group B.
If Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong draw their match on Wednesday, the Philippines can secure qualification to the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup later that same night with a win over host Cambodia.
After reaching the World Cup for the first time in 2023, qualifying for the continental championship is not just a goal — it’s an expectation.
Still, what makes this win even more meaningful is the emergence of young talent like Pino.
While the veterans continue to anchor the squad, the arrival of fearless newcomers ensures the team’s future is in good hands.
“I’m very overwhelmed with excitement right now,” Pino added.
“I’m very grateful to be representing my country and to see the people who are coming to support us. It means the world. My family, unfortunately, couldn’t be here today but seeing the fans, it’s very nice. I’m just very grateful for the experience all around.”
