The Philippine Girls Under-17 National Team moved one step closer to securing a berth in the 2026 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup after edging host nation Tajikistan, 2-0, Wednesday in the qualification tournament at Pamir Stadium in Dushanbe.
The win kept the Philippines atop Group A with six points after back-to-back victories and a +7 goal difference.
Malaysia sits in second place after a 1-0 triumph over Syria earlier in the day, matching the Filipinas on points but trailing on goal difference at +3.
As it stands, the Philippines only needs a draw against Malaysia this Friday to officially book its spot in next year’s China-hosted tournament.
Kickoff is set for 5:00 PM (Manila time) at the same venue.
Against Tajikistan, Louraine Evangelista opened the scoring just 11 minutes into the match with a brilliant left-footed strike from outside the box, giving the Philippines an early lead.
The Tuloy FC standout has now scored in back-to-back matches after finding the net in the 5-0 rout of Syria last Monday.
With the game nearing full time, Juliana Dagpin sealed the victory for the Filipinas U-17 side, slotting home a stoppage-time goal in the 90+5th minute off an assist from Kaida Mizzo.
