THE Philippines had a dominant opening match in Women’s Football of the 31st Southeast Asian Games with 5-0 drubbing of Cambodia at the Cam Pha Stadium in Quang Ninh, Vietnam on May 9.
Left midfielder Isabella Flanigan hit the opening goal in the 27th minute.
Cambodia hung on for the rest of the half. But it was just the calm before the storm as the Filipinas unleashed a second half onslaught.
Sarina Bolden, who came off the bench, hit the back of the net in the 65th minute. It wasn’t long before right back Eva Madarang joined in the fray and added another goal for the Philippines four minutes later.
Striker Quinley Quezada scored in the 76th minute, while substitute midfielder Anicka Castañeda sealed the match with another goal three minutes later.
With the win, the Filipinas grabbed the No. 1 spot with three points after the other match between host Vietnam and Indonesia was canceled. The Women’s squad of Indonesia won’t be playing any matches after pulling out of the tournament.
The Philippines is in Group A with Cambodia and Vietnam.
The Philippines takes on Vietnam tonight, May 11, still at the Cam Pha Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Philippines were up against Myanmar in the Men’s tournament as of press time.
The Azkals beat Timor Leste, 4-0, in the tournament opener on May 6 and had a scoreless draw with Vietnam last May 8.
The Philippines currently sits at the top of Group A of the Men’s tournament with three points and just ahead of Vietnam in goal difference.
Myanmar is third with three points, Indonesia is fourth and Timor-Leste is fifth.
The top two teams of each group of the Men’s and Women’s tournaments advance to the semifinals.