The Philippine Women’s National Football Team is riding on a two-match win streak for a dream start to their AFF Women’s Championship campaign.
The Filipinas beat Malaysia 3-0, then crushed Timor-Leste 7-0 last week. They will next face the hosts Thailand on Wednesday, August 21 at 7:00 p.m. Philippine time at the IPE Stadium in Chonburi.
Like the Philippines, Thailand is also undefeated so far in the tournament. The Thais have 6 points as well, but lead on superior goal difference, with +17 to the Pinay’s +10.
Wednesday’s clash will decide the undisputed leader for Group A. Currently, Thailand is in the lead (6 pts +17 GD), then the Philippines (6 pts +10 GD), Malaysia (3 pts +1 GD), Timor-Leste (3 pts -15 GD) and Singapore (0 pt -13 GD).
Whoever wins the match will be a shoo-in to the knockout round. Whoever loses could be level on points with the winner for the day’s other match between Malaysia and Timor-Leste. Those two teams will then contest the last berth.
“With the two wins, we are not yet secured for the semifinals. Going into the last two games, we keep reminding our players of our main goal in this campaign,” said Let Dimzon.
The head coach of the PWNFT previously stated that the team’s objective is to reach the last four. She wants them to play against teams they will most likely encounter in the Southeast Asian Games later this year.
“The team must challenge themselves to face once again Thailand and secure a win against Singapore to be able to enter the semis,” she digressed.
This will be the first time the two sides meet since the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Jordan last year. In that contest, the nationals lost 1-3. Thailand went on to qualify for the Women’s World Cup featured in last June’s spectacle in France.
Prior to that meeting, the team also faced Thailand in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games, where they also lost 1-3. Records indicate that the Philippines has never won against Thailand. Now, it is only a matter of time before fans see if the status quo will remain or if the Filipinas have it in them to turn the tables.
“I am much excited for the Thailand game. We know that they are strong and experienced but playing against them will be our gauge of where the team is now.”
