The Philippines made a statement in Alen Stajcic’s return, producing a dominant second-half display to thump host Uzbekistan, 4-0, in their AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Group H opener on Monday at the Do’stlik Stadium Training Pitch in Tashkent.
After a scoreless opening half, the Filipinas exploded for four goals in a span of just 17 minutes, with Noelle Granger completing a hat-trick while Savannah Chheng added another to cap a commanding victory.
The hosts threatened early, with Philippines goalkeeper Abigail Schwartz called into action just three minutes in. She read Mariya Dakhova’s 30-yard free kick perfectly to tip the effort away and keep the Filipinas level.
The Philippines soon settled into the match and began dictating possession, forcing Uzbekistan into an early adjustment as Farangiz Lakaeva was replaced by forward Parizoda Nazirova in the 23rd minute.
Despite Uzbekistan’s attempts to wrest control, the Filipinas continued to create opportunities.
Granger nearly connected with Lily Finney’s pass before coming close again moments later, only for Uzbekistan goalkeeper Zaynab Toyirova to palm away her downward header.
The breakthrough finally came six minutes after halftime.
Granger rose to meet a cross in the 51st minute and headed the Philippines in front, opening the floodgates for a relentless attacking spell.
Twelve minutes later, the forward struck again.
Granger initially needed a second attempt after getting onto another cross from the right, but she made no mistake with her follow-up effort to beat Toyirova and double the Philippines’ advantage.
Granger completed her hat-trick just two minutes later, capitalizing on Finney’s run down the left before calmly slotting home the resulting cutback in the 65th minute.
The Filipinas then put the result beyond doubt in the 68th minute.
Granger turned provider this time, setting up Chheng, who applied the finishing touch to complete the Philippines’ emphatic 4-0 victory.
The Filipinas return to action on Sunday, when they face Bangladesh in their second group match.
