The Philippine women’s national football team opened their Southeast Asian Games campaign with a 2-1 win over the hosts Malaysia, snapping a losing streak.
Defender Patrice Impelido and striker Camille Rodriguez scored a goal each.
Impelido’s header from a corner in added time of the first half meant she had scored her first goal since 2013, when she scored against the U-23 team of Japan in the AFF Women’s Championship, also through a header.
“It always feels great to score a goal. I usually don’t score so it was a good feeling. It was a good cross from Pat Tomanon and credit to Sara Castañeda for telling me to go in the box,” the PWFT captain said.
Impelido also heaped praise on her teammates and their coaches for the result, commending them for not giving up even when the tide seemed to have turned in favor of the hosts.
“I am very happy with the team’s win. I’m so proud of the team and the coaching staff. It’s always hard playing against the host team but we came out stronger and got the win,” she added.
The Filipinas were at risk of not getting the full three points when Malaysia leveled proceedings in the 52nd minute. Fortunately, Rodriguez had other ideas, as she launched a 35-meter looping golazo into the top corner some twenty minutes later.
Her goal also marked the first time she has scored for the senior side since her debut goal in 2011, also against Malaysia. The eventual match-winning goal also signified a productive return for Rodriguez, who has not suited up for the Philippines since 2012.
“I guess it’s me picking up from where I left off; but overall just happy I was able to contribute to my team, especially that it’s for the country,” shared Rodriguez, who also admitted that it felt great to be back playing for the national team again.
PWFT mentor Let Dimzon is also glad of the positive outcome, while pointing out that the ladies in white could have scored more.
“We had lots of good opportunities in front of the box but our girls were either hesitant to shoot or there was too much adrenaline which resulted in losing the ball and missing scoring chances,” Dimzon remarked.
She said that they will have to be better for their next game against Vietnam (August 17, Thursday, 4:00 P.M.) which is a tougher side and considered by many as a top ASEAN team. A win should be a major boost to the team’s hopes of a podium finish.
Asked whether why Malaysia had made it difficult for the Filipinas, Dimzon attributed it to some lapses in defense as well as the sudden shift in playing surface. The team has been training on artificial turf and may have needed to adjust to the natural grass of the SEA Games’ football venues.
Both Impelido and Rodriguez are undaunted by the challenge presented by 32nd world-ranked Vietnamese.
“We’ll use this momentum and confidence for our next game. It won’t be easy but we will do our best and fight till the final whistle,” the captain promised.
“They’ll be a tough team to beat but hopefully we can pull through,” added Rodriguez.
Photo by Jeff Cheng
