For the 10th time in its history, the Philippine Women’s National Football Team has qualified for the continent’s biggest international competition.
The Filipinas secured a 2-1 win over Hong Kong – its second victory in Group F – to formalize its entry into the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. The competition takes place in India, Friday evening at the JAR Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
With only minutes left to spare in the contest, Chandler Blue McDaniel scored her first goal for the country. She hit a fantastic strike in the 87th minute to win the game for the Filipinas.
It was a welcome response after Maro’s wards allowed Hong Kong a chance to get back in the match earlier in the second half.
Despite only needing a draw to qualify, the Philippines started brightly. Midfielder Tahnai Annis opened the scoring in the 17th minute thanks to an assist from Rocelle Mendano.
It was Annis’ second goal of this qualification campaign.
After the half-time break, the Filipinas conceded a goal in the 61st minute.
Hong Kong skipper Chung Pui Ki gave her side some hope when she converted a fantastic free-kick, which left goalkeeper Inna Palacios stunned. Ultimately, though, it became nothing more but a minor blot on the Filipinas’ successful run.
The Philippines ends its qualification campaign for the continental tourney with six points. On the other hand, Hong Kong and Nepal get a point each.
Philippines XI: Palacios (GK, C), Long, Annis, Rodriguez, McDaniel, Miclat, Bugay, Castaneda, Harrison, Lepage, Mendano.
Hong Kong XI: Ng Cheuk Wai (GK), Tsang Pak Tung, Ma Chak Shun, Chung Pui Ki ©, Limbu Shena, Lee Wing Yan, Tsang Lai Mae Halasan, Wong So Han, Kwok Ching Man, Wu Choi Yiu, Ho Wan Tung.
