THE PHILIPPINE Women’s National Football Team (PWNFT) delivered a promising group stage opener in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, as the squad etched its first-ever victory against Thailand in a 1-0 bout on Friday, January 21, at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai, India.

The first few minutes of the game were dominated by an offensive PWNFT, and the squad came close to scoring when Katrina Guillou’s volley from a precise Chandler McDaniel cross was disallowed for offside. Later on in the half, Guillou saw another chance denied by the crossbar.

Tested by multiple Thai attempts, PWNFT goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel showed great anticipation by denying Thailand’s offensive plays with timely saves. Pressing forward, the Philippines created more chances in the first half through Quincy Quezada and Co-Captain Hali Long who both failed to get the ball in the back of the net.

Although both the PWNFT and Thailand were able to generate chances, both teams were deadlocked by the end of the first half.

At the onset of the second half, physicality from both sides ramped up as a string of fouls were called, as Thailand’s Phetwiset and the PWNFT’s Guillou both received whistles in a short two-minute span.

The PWNFT sustained its aggressive offensive push, as midfielder Jessica Miclat’s connection to forward Quezada nearly resulted in a goal at the 56-minute mark. The Philippines’ offensive assault continued with C. McDaniel booting an ambitious shot in the 59th minute, followed by Quezada shooting straight into Boonsing’s hands at the 63rd mark. Down at the defensive zone, the PWNFT’s backline remained unscathed and staved off Thailand’s offensive front.

After multiple missed opportunities, the PWNFT sealed the lead at the 80th minute as a long-range strike from C. McDaniel was fumbled into the goal by an unfortunate Boonsing.

Up until the final mark, the PWNFT’s defense led by O. McDaniel held firm to deny a barrage of attempts from the Thais, who failed to capitalize on their dominant possession throughout the evening.

The result finally ends PWNFT’s winless drought against Thailand, who previously emerged victorious in its last 13 meetings against the Philippines.

The surprise victory helps the Philippines ascend to second in Group B with a 1-0-0 win-draw-loss slate behind by goal difference to Australia, who completed an 18-0 win against Indonesia. To guarantee advancement to the quarterfinals, the PWNFT must win at least two of its group stage matches. In addition to Australia’s spot as co-hosts, the top five teams in the tournament will secure spots in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The PWNFT’s next group stage match will see them go against Australia on Monday, January 24, 6:00 PM Manila time.

Philippines Starting XI: 

Annis — Captain

McDaniel, O.D (GK)

Harrison

Long

Randle

Guillou

Bugay

Miclat

Quezada

Madarang

McDaniel, C.

Thailand Starting  XI:

Intamee — Captain

Boonsing (GK)

Saenkhun

Philawan

Panyosuk

Phetwiset

Phetwiset

Pram-Nak

Waenngoen

Rodthong

Nildhamrong

Substitutions:

46’ IN #2 M. Cesar, OUT #19 E. Madarang

67’ IN #13 K. Chetthabutr , OUT #14 S. Pengngam

67’ IN #5 A. Utchai, OUT #7 S. Intamee

70’ IN #12 S. Castañeda, OUT #9 J. Miclat

70’ IN #15 C. Frilles, OUT #6 T. Annis

78’ IN #6 P. Khueanpet, OUT #8 N. Panyosuk

78’ IN #3 I. Makris, OUT #9 W. Phetwiset

85’ IN #17 T. Dangda, OUT #23 M. Nild

88’ IN #11 A.  Castañeda, OUT #8 C. McDaniel

90+5’ IN #14 I. Flanigan, OUT #21 K. Guillou