The Philippine Women’s National Football Team will go up against familiar opposition in the first round of the 2024 AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
In a draw held on Thursday at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, coach Alen Stajcic’s team was drawn with Hong Kong, Tajikistan, and Pakistan in Group E.
Currently ranked 53rd in the world, the Filipinas are favorites on paper to advance to the next phase considering that Hong Kong ranks at 77, Tajikistan at 144, and Pakistan at 160.
Photo from AFC
The Philippines last faced Hong Kong on September 24, 2021 as part of the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Chandler McDaniel scored late as the Filipinas prevailed 2-1 after Tahnai Annis broke the deadlock early in the game.
As for Tajikistan, the Filipinas’ last game against the Central Asian nation occurred on November 8, 2018 during the 2020 AFC Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
De La Salle University standout Sara Castaneda starred in that match, as she scored twice to lead the Philippines to a 3-1 win. University of Santo Tomas star Mae Cadag scored the other goal in that match.
Lastly, this qualifying phase will bring the Philippines and Pakistan together for the first time in both nations’ competitive histories.
All matches will be held from April 3-11, 2023 with the centralized venue yet to be announced. Only one team from the group will advance to the second round, which is scheduled to take place this October.
