Pilipinas claims Women's Asia Cup opener

Pilipinas in celebratory mood.

History was achieved on Friday night in Navi Mumbai, as the Philippines finally breaks through against Thailand in AFC Women's Asian Cup action, 1-0, at the D.Y. Patil Stadium.

Chandler McDaniel scored the game-winner from distance in the 81st minute, a chance that was mishandled by Waraporn Boonsing, letting it cross the line.

With the victory, the Filipinas ended a twelve-match losing streak to the SEA Games silver medalists.

The match started off with the Philippines on the offensive, but the early chance came first from the Thais, with Saowalak Pengngam finding Miranda Nild, but her chance was deflected.

Another opportunity came from Orapin Waenngoen, but did not faze Olivia Davies-McDaniel. The Milwaukee alumna also saved an attempt from Nipawan Panyosuk.

The Philippines had their own scoring opportunities in the first half, with debutant Katrina Guillou smashing it into the back of the net, but was called offside, then a 35-yard strike from Quinley Quezada was saved by Boonsing.

With both teams in a goalless stalemate in the first half, they each had their chances after the break.

Pengngam found Nutwadee Pram-nak at the edge of the area, but Davies-McDaniel easily handled that one.

Quezada and McDaniel had their shots just past the hour mark, but their chances failed to find the target.

Chandler McDaniel scored the winner in the 81st minute as the Philippines boosted their hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals, while Thailand were left to rue their missed chances.

Thailand, AFC Women’s Asian Cup winners in 1983, got into the action in the second minute \

Despite being reduced to counter-attacks, the Philippines had two clear-cut chances just after the hour mark with Quinley Quezada and Chandler McDaniel both just failing to find the target from inside the box.

The Thais tried their best to find an equalizer in the final minutes, but the Filipinas held firm behind stellar defending from their back line led by Guillou, fellow debutant Dominique Randle, and Hali Long.

With a win under their belt, the Philippines heads into their matchup on Monday against title contenders Australia with confidence and momentum.

As for the Thais, they face off against Indonesia that same day with both sides seeking to rebuild theirs.