THE PHILIPPINE Women’s National Football Team (PWNFT) put forth another sensational showing in an emphatic 6-0 statement win over regional adversaries Indonesia in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup (AFC WAC) on Thursday, January 27, at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune, India. The pivotal group stage win ensures that the PWNFT is guaranteed a spot in the quarterfinals.

The PWNFT’s high-octane offense erupted as early as the sixth minute of the contest when Katrina Guillou opened up the Philippines’ must-win game by striking first with a goal assisted by Carleigh Frilles. This was shortly after midfielder Sarina Bolden’s penalty kick hit the goal post.

In the seventh minute, Bolden had her freekick swatted by Indonesian keeper Riska Aprilia, who had a tough night in the office trying to deter the Philippines’ 12 total shots on target. 

Midway through the first half, Indonesian Forward Insyafadya Salsabillah felt the wrath of the Philippines’ defense, as her attempt near the penalty arc was smothered by two opposing defenders. Salsabillah’s effort was the only threat from a seemingly dormant Indonesian offense, which only had a single shot throughout 90 minutes of play.

Bolden made amends for her earlier misses by scoring a terrific header from inside the six-yard box at the 26th minute. The dynamic midfielder had another commendable shot that clanked off the goal post before the end of the half.

Team Captain Tahnai Annis helped the PWNFT pull away after a stagnant start to the second half. Annis drilled in two lethal goals from outside the box in the 55th minute and 82nd minute, respectively.

Annis’ two goals sandwiched a 74th-minute PWNFT penalty which Jessica Miclat converted with ease. The whole Filipino unit displayed its offensive prowess, with Malea Louise Cesar capping off the PWNFT’s six-goal affair at the 94th minute after finishing a loose ball into an empty net.

Such an authoritative performance elevates the Philippines to a 2-1-0 record, enough to finish second behind 11th world-ranked Australia in the Group B preliminaries. More importantly, the win propels the PWNFT to newfound heights, with the team being the first to progress into the AFC WAC’s knockout phase in Philippine history.

The record-setting PWNFT continues its quest for an elusive World Cup berth as they load up for their quarterfinal matchup against Chinese Taipei on Sunday night, January 30, 10:00 PM Manila time.

Philippines Starting XI:

Annis – Captain

McDaniel, O.D. (GK)

Randle

Bugay

Madarang

Guillou

Cesar

Frilles

Miclat

Bolden

McDaniel, C. 

Indonesia Starting XI:

Novryliani – Captain

Aprilia (GK)

Chere

Viandrisa

Oktavianti

Nurmalita

Shalihah

Muzdalifah

Riski

Septiawati

Salsabillah