THE NEW queens of  Southeast Asian football have been crowned. For the first time in its history, the Philippines Women’s National Team (PWNT) took home the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship after trumping the undefeated reigning champions Thailand, 3-0, July 17 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The title-contenders put the 2018 AFF champions on their heels early in this match with Jessika Cowart scoring through a header play by the seven minute mark of the game. Cowart was able to convert the early point from a risky corner kick by Tahnai Annis, giving the home team a lead that lasted the entirety of the match.

To extend their precarious one-goal lead, the PWNT continued to make strong offensive strides. In the 20th minute of action, the Philippines took advantage of their opponent’s failure to retain possession, allowing Katrina Guillou just enough leeway to put the ball in the goal. This play resulted in the PWNT securing a commanding 2-0 lead at the half.

After the halftime break, Thailand still could not capitalize on their opportunities thanks to the stellar defensive plays executed by PWNT goalkeeper Olivia McDaniels. With victory just minutes away, the Filipinas’ defense helped make way for their offensive attack as Sarina Bolden sealed the dagger with her league-leading 8th goal to bookend their magical run in convincing fashion. The match ended at 3-0, giving the Filipinas their first title in the AFF Women’s Championship since the league first began in 2004.

This momentous feat in the AFF added to an already successful year for the Filipinas. Last January, the National Team qualified for the 2023 Women’s World Cup after an amazing semifinals run at the Asian Cup. Furthermore, the Filipinas bagged bronze in the recently concluded Southeast Asian Games, their first medal in the said meet since 1985.

Philippines Starting XI

Annis – Captain

McDaniel – GK

Bolden 

Cowart

Eggesvik

Guillou 

Harrison 

Long

Madarang

Quezada

Sawicki 

Thailand Starting XI

Panyosuk – Captain

Thongmongkol – GK

Aupachai

Chetthabutr

Jeeratanapavibul

Pengngam

Philawan

Pram-Nak

Rodthong

Saenkhun 

Somnuek