Despite falling 3-1 to Myanmar’s ISPE WFC in their final match of the preliminary round of the 2025–2026 AFC Women’s Champions League on Sunday at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, Stallion Laguna secured a spot in the next round as the best second-placed team among five contenders.
Stallion finished with three points and a +3 goal difference.
The team narrowly edged out fellow second-placers: Group B’s College of Asian Scholars, Group C’s Etihad, and Group D’s Kaohsiung Attackers, all of whom also had three points but inferior goal differences.
Meanwhile, Group E’s Kitchee placed last among second-placed teams with only two points.
Davidson McKenna gave Stallion a dream start in the clash against ISPE, scoring in the 13th minute off a corner kick from teammate Chandler McDaniel.
However, ISPE responded in the second half. Lin Sandar equalized in the 51st minute with a left-footed strike past goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.
Stallion then conceded twice more in the final minutes: San Thaw Thaw headed home in the 79th minute to give ISPE the lead; and Khin Tun Marlar sealed the 3-1 win in the 90th minute, ensuring her team topped Group A.
Although Stallion’s 13-0 victory over the Bank of Guam Strykers last Thursday did not count due to Group E only having three teams, its 6-1 win over Khovd Western on Monday secured its status as the best runner-up.
As a reward for a successful preliminary campaign, Stallion Laguna will advance to the competition’s group stage this November.
Stallion will await the results of the draw on September 11, where it will be placed in Pot 3.
