Philippines secures Asian Cup berth in women's football

Tahnai Annis

Signed. Sealed. Delivered.

The Philippines secured its spot in the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 berth with a 2-1 victory over Hong Kong on Friday at the JAR Stadium in Tashkent.

With Hong Kong coming off a goalless draw against Nepal on Wednesday, the East Asian side needed a victory in order to come out on top of Group F and secure a spot in next year's tournament proper.

Unfortunately, The Filipinas had other plans.

Tahnai Annis put the Philippines ahead after 17 minutes, receiving a cross from Rochelle Mendano and heading it past Ng Cheuk Wai.

Hong Kong would find an equalizer in the 61st minute off an excellently taken free kick by Chung Pui Ki, but Chandler McDaniel restores the Filipina advantage in the 87th minute.

With two wins out of two matches, the Philippines officially locked in a return trip to the top tier continental competition for women's football, which also serves as a qualifying tournament to the 2023 edition of the FIFA Women's World Cup.

The Malditas fell one victory short of qualifying for the last World Cup, but goal is potentially within reach thanks to the expanded field in both the Asian Cup and the World Cup.