Playing in front of a hometown crowd, an inspired Philippines squad scored a huge upset in its Asean Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship with a 1-0 over world No. 12 ranked Australia at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
Sarina Bolden was credited with the goal though it appeared it was an own goal by a defender in the 59th minute from a throw-in by Eva Madarang. It was Bolden’s 10th goal in 20 caps for the Philippines.
“This is an amazing win for us. As I said earlier it does not matter whether this was Australia’s Under-23 squad this is a very tough squad that ranks among the top in the world so winning against them was a good one,” said Philippines head coach Alan Stajcic in a report posted in the Philippine Football Federation’s official website.
Around 1,500 fans were in attendance to watch the World Cup-bound Filipinas play.
The Filipino fans haven’t seen the Philippine Women’s squad play in over three years since playing here in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
“They really inspired us to play our best. They were also amazing in braving the rain. We wish there were more but I expect that this win will encourage more of them in our succeeding matches,” said Stajcic.
The Filipinas got much-needed three points against what should be the most talented talented squad in Group A.
Thailand crushed Indonesia, 4-0, while Malaysia settled to a scoreless draw with in Singapore in the other Group A matches.
Thailand sits at the top with the Philippines with three points each. Malaysia and Singapore and tied at third with a point each, while Australia and Indonesia are at the bottom of Group A.
The Philippines takes on Singapore tonight at 7 p.m. Meanwhile, Indonesia faces Malaysia, while Thailand locks horns with Australia.