Philippines slotted into Group A of the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, set to open competition

The Filipinas with their fans during AFC Qualifying earlier this year

The Philippines' pathway towards the goal of making a return trip to the FIFA Women's World Cup was made clear on Tuesday with the results of the draw for the 2026 edition of the AFC Women's Asian Cup.

Held in Sydney, the ladies were drawn into Group A, alongside Australia, Korea Republic, and Iran, and having been slotted into A4, they were automatically designated as the team that will face the hosts to open the competition on March 1, at Perth.

After facing the 15th-ranked Matildas, they will head to the Gold Coast for their remaining Group Stage matches: with the Koreans on the 5th and concluding the first phase against the Persians on the 8th.

DPR Korea, China PR, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan comprise Group B, while Japan, Vietnam, India, and Chinese-Taipei complete the twelve-team field with Group C.

Only the four semifinalists will earn automatic spots at the FIFA Women's World Cup, which Brazil hosts in 2027. Two more teams will earn the right for an opportunity to play for a spot through the Playoff Tournament that takes place later in 2026.

Philippine Football Federation president John Gutierrez says when asked about his thoughts on the draw results, "Not the easiest group but not the hardest. Either way, we have to beat the best to be the best. Our girls will be ready come March."

Representing the team in the draw is Mark Torcaso, and he expressed his anticipation for the start of the tournament. The gaffer shares, "Really excited by it, and I know that our players will be up for the challenge. Every team here that has qualified obviously deserves to be here and they’re all going to be difficult opponents. It didn’t really matter who we were going to play, every game is going to be tough, and every game wehave to be extremely determined and focused to get an outcome."

He also adds, "We’re really excited by this opportunity, playing against the host in front of a big crowd in the first game, along with South Korea and Iran in the group." With the memory of managing to qualify in the FIFA Women's World Cup back in 2023 still fresh, the team remains optimistic of their hopes of earning their spot again in 2027.

Torcaso emphasizes such belief, as he says, "We are going to do our absolute best to bring World Cup opportunities back to our players and back to our country. We’ll be extremely determined and excited by making sure that we make this happen and we’ll do everything possible over the next few windows to make sure that we’re as prepared as possible."

With a schedule that includes two major sub-continental competitions in the remainder of the year, comprising the AFF MSIG Serenity Cup next week and the SEA Games this December, Torcaso notes that these tourneys will help the team prepare for this coming March. He shares, "This coming AFF tournament is a chance for us to see a lot of our young youth players play obviously with a closed FIFA window, we will give a lot of opportunity to our young players and see where they’re at in the level that they’re going to be hopefully to be ready for opportunities that come their way for the Asian Cup."

Filipinas set for February camp

c/o Philippine Football Federation

The Philippine Football Federation is to hold a training camp for the Senior Women's National Football Team next month, kicking off its busy year ahead.

Serving as the culmination for the camp is an intrasquad exhibition on February 25 at the Mall of Asia Football Field, which is already nearing completion. The event is slated to start at 6pm.

Head Coach Mark Torcaso says about the upcoming camp, "I’m really looking forward to having the Filipinas back in action at home, where the supporters in Manila can get a chance to experience the team up close, in one of the city’s new and exciting football venues. With the ASEAN Women’s Championship and the Asian Cup Qualifiers taking place midyear, and the SEA Games being held in December, there’s a lot to play for in 2025. This camp gives us a great opportunity to continue building the foundation for the way we want to play. We cannot wait to be back home to showcase our Filipinas."

PFF Senior Director for National Teams Freddy Gonzalez adds, "The Filipinas haven't spent much time at home since their historic World Cup run, so it's a really good opportunity for all the fans to connect with the team, and for our players to savor the experience of playing in front of their supporters. I can't think of a better way to introduce the new Mall of Asia Football Field to the Philippine public. Nine days of solid work at home, familiarizing with one another and with Coach Mark's game model will be a great way to start a big 2025 for the Filipinas."

The Filipinas aim to successfully defend their title in the ASEAN Women's Championship, while also secure a medal at the upcoming SEA Games in Thailand. They are also set to start their quest to return to the AFC Asian Cup finals after their success in the previous edition allowed them to make their FIFA Women's World Cup debut.

Filipinas set for local training camp

 Director of Senior National Teams Freddy Gonzalez has revealed Mark Torcaso will oversee an intense training camp which will feature both Philippine Women’s National Football Team regulars and top local prospects.

The Philippine Senior Women's National Team is set to hold a week-long training camp later this month at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

25-30 names are set to be called up for this camp, allowing Head Coach Mark Torcaso and his staff the opportunity to make some assessments from outstanding locally-based players, as well as those who have been previously seen action with the team.

In making the announcement, Philippine Senior National Teams Director Freddy Gonzalez shares, "The main objective of the upcoming camp is for the coaching staff to build our local player pool and to provide our local players the opportunity to be seen and assessed by the coaching staff. This is very important, as we need our locally based players to be aware of the game model we are building for the Philippine Women’s National Football Team. In the case that any of them are called up, they will be ready to perform."

The camp will feature a couple of new additions, as Riedoh Berdien and Aris Andrey will help build a fitness program. Gonzalez says about the two, "We have a lot of talented local players who are capable of playing in the National Team. The gap between the locally-based and those playing abroad primarily lies in the difference in strength and conditioning. So starting with this camp, Riedoh Berdien and Aris Andrey will handle the Strength and Conditioning of the Women’s Team as well. They will implement programs for our locally based players so that they will be up to par with the strength and conditioning of their overseas based counterparts. Riedoh will be handling the overall programs, of both them Men’s and Women’s teams and Aris will be implementing and monitoring the progress of all the local based players."

Like their men's counterparts, an open session for both fans and media has been scheduled. In this case, it is slated to take place on the final day, August 23, at 7-9am.

Successful FIFA Women's World Cup viewing party co-hosted by New Zealand and Philippines

New Zealand Ambassador Peter Kell with Australian Acting Counsellor/Chief Migration Officer Jennifer Bryant

July 25 will prove to be a historic day for Philippine sports, as its Senior Women's National Football Team secured its first-ever World Cup victory, defeating New Zealand, 1-0, behind a 24th minute goal from Sarina Bolden, and a clean sheet from the player of the match Olivia McDaniel.

To help highlight the importance of the event, the Philippine Football Federation and the New Zealand Embassy hosted an official FIFA Women's World Cup viewing party for the match. Over five hundred individuals packed the UP Town Center in Quezon City, which included members of the diplomatic corps, a bunch of student-athletes, and enthusiastic spectators.

Notable attendees include EU Ambassador Luc Veron, as well as Australia's Acting Counsellor/Chief Migration Officer Jennifer Bryant, highlighting the potential of sport's ability to strengthen international ties.

The atmosphere at the venue reflected the intensity of the match at Sky Stadium in Wellington, with every goal attempt, defensive maneuver, and strategic play eliciting appropriate crowd emotions, as both teams gave it their all in an effort to snag all three points in play.

As the Filipinas successfully fended off the Football Ferns, it revealed a mix of jubilation and relief while also showcasing sportsmanship. New Zealand Ambassador Peter Kell extended warm congratulations to the Filipino supporters present.

He shares, "Sa totoo lang, ngayong araw, naramdaman ko ang kapangyarihan ng Team Filipinas at ng kanilang mga tagahanga at tagasuporta. Both Football Ferns and Team Filipinas skillfully displayed a great fight. We are immensely grateful to have organised this live viewing event with the Philippine Football Federation and to witness the fervent support for women's football. The camaraderie and unity displayed by everyone today are a testament to the power of sports in bringing people together."

The Philippine Football Federation adds, "This event has shown the true essence of football and its ability to unite people from different backgrounds. We are grateful for the opportunity to host this event alongside the New Zealand Embassy and strengthen our ties through our shared love for the sport."

All-in-all, the viewing party served as a successful platform for fostering unity, camaraderie, and cultural exchange between New Zealand and the Philippines, highlighting the ability of football to bridge the gap and share passion between nations. It also celebrated women's football and the commitment each side is willing to make in continuing to uplift it.

adidas makes its maiden Philippine Women’s National Team kits available through reservation

Laban Filipinas

The long wait is almost over.

With fans eagerly awaiting the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup, one that includes the Philippines for the very first time, adidas is set to make available the team kit of the Philippines Senior Women's National Team.

First revealed back in mid-May, reservations for the three kit colorways are now officially available by registering at filipinasjerseyreservation.com. Upon checking the site, one can just fill the information needed before making the reservation.

adidas also has entered into a partnership with BOOTCAMP for those based overseas and are interested in purchasing the kits. Details regarding how one can avail of the kits through them will be made known soon on their platforms.

Senior Women's National Team Manager Jefferson Cheng shares, "We are thrilled to introduce our association with adidas as we have our Filipinas take on the Women’s World Cup for the first time, and we feel the same excitement in seeing the adidas’ Filipinas kit come to life. As the Philippine national women’s football team and adidas become one with the mantra of Impossible Is Nothing, we will always be proud of and be in full support towards the Filipinas as they continue to grow and serve as inspirations to the Filipino football scene."

adidas Philippines General Manager Anthony Frangos adds, "At adidas, we live and breathe by the mantra of Impossible is Nothing, and the Filipinas are the group that best embodies this mindset. The Filipinas FIFA Women’s World Cup kits were designed by adidas with their rich journey in mind, and we hope this serves not just as an inspiration to the Filipino community as they rally behind our Filipinas, but also to the team itself as they take on the global stage for the Women’s World Cup."

For those who have yet to see the kits, adidas designed three colorways that are chock full of tributes to our homeland, one that would honor the growth of the Filipinas and serve as an inspiration for future Filipino footballers regardless of gender.

The home kit is in blue or Bughaw and is dubbed as "Sipag at Tiyaga." It is adorned with the adidas’ iconic three stripes across the pieces, with its collar striped in red and white. This colorway represents the calm perseverance of our Filipinas throughout their road to the Women’s World Cup, and their journey of tackling obstacles with sportsmanship. It also serves to symbolize inspiration for the new wave of Filipino footballers, especially those striving to represent the country with pride.

The away kit is in white or Puti and is dubbed as "Ang Bagong Yugto." It comes with three blue stripes and a collar decked in white and yellow. It symbolizes the Filipinas’ fresh and determined start as they take on the Women’s World Cup for the first time and elevate the sport to new heights among the Filipino community and paving the way for a new era of football. The vibrant patterns also align with the dynamic mix of players within the team, composed of diverse members who come together united for a common goal.

The third kit comes in red or Pula and is dubbed as, "Alab Ng Puso." Loud and bold, it also comes with the brand’s three stripes and a matching pair of blue and white for the collar. This colorway is a suitable parallel to the Filipinas’ fiery passion and unbridled courage as they compete for the country, regardless of the odds, with an unwavering work ethic.

All three colorways are made with adidas AEROREADY, managing moisture while providing comfort; 100% recycled polyester Interlock that gives the gear a hydrophilic finish; and mesh inserts placed on the sleeves and shoulders for breathability. It utilizes a short-sleeve cut and a sublimated front panel print, as well as a ribbed round neckline and cuff. adidas's iconic three stripes are seen across the kits’ shoulder area, next to an embroidered adidas Badge of Sport logo and the Philippine Football Federation’s logo.

Completing the badges on the kits is the Philippine flag located across the left shoulder and the waistband, and the sun symbol at the back of each jersey.

Expect the Filipinas to also use the kits on their upcoming competitions later this year.

Aside from the kits, adidas also has produced hyperlocal merchandise that has the new Filipinas seal, which they also designed. The new logo is derived from the sampaguita and sports the four colors of the flag: yellow, red, white, and blue.

These items, ranging from a hoodie, sweatshirt, t-shirts, and a cap, are already available at the six major adidas outlets: the Brand Center in Glorietta, Two Parkade at BGC, Trinoma, Uptown Mall, Ayala Bay, and the Venice Grand Canal Mall.

Road to Paris starts for the Filipinas

c/o Philippine Football Federation

The path to Paris in 2024 officially begins on Wednesday night Manila time, as the Philippines kicks off Group E action in the first round of Asian Olympic Qualifying at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan.

The Filipinas are set to face off against Pakistan in the opening match at 7pm, with the hosts tangling against Hong Kong three hours later.

Head coach Alen Stajcic shares about the road ahead, "The Olympics is a massive event and we’ve never been to the final group stage ever before so trying to top this group and getting out of this group is a difficult assignment. We’re looking forward to the challenge and we’re confident we can get to the next round."

Serving as their first opponents, Pakistan is coming off a four-nation tournament in Saudi Arabia, where they defeated Comoros, drew against the hosts, and lost to Mauritius. The South Asians will be coming in with a slight disadvantage as a result of Nadia Khan suffering an ACL injury. Hoping to fill the massive hole the Doncaster Belle leaves are captain Maria Khan and defender Malika-e-Noor. London Seaward's attacking midfielder Zahmena Malik returns, while Amina Hanif potentially could make her national team debut.

Stajcic shares, "Pakistan has just resumed playing recently and obviously they are emerging and developing and an unknown threat. We don’t know how good they are. There’s always a little bit of anxiety because you don’t know what you’re going to get."

The Philippines will next face off against Tajikistan on Saturday at 10pm PST, capping off with a 7pm PST matchup against Hong Kong on Tuesday.

When asked about the hosts, Stajcic says, "Tajikistan is in a similar boat (like Pakistan). They’re both unknowns in international football, but are starting to really emerge and develop as national teams. We’ve got to respect those countries because we don’t know what kind of game we’ll have until we actually get in there. In that respect, this makes it a difficult challenge."

As for Hong Kong, Stajcic notes, "It was only 18 months ago that we scraped to a 2-1 win to qualify for the Asian Cup, we have to treat them with a lot of respect. That’s going to be a tough battle, it could have easily been Hong Kong making it to the Asian Cup so we know that it was going to be a tricky assignment."

This is the first meeting between the Filipinas and Hong Kong since that match in Tashkent, where Chandler McDaniel's 87th minute game-winner ensured then-manager Marlon Maro's side advanced to the Asian Cup, setting the stage for the Filipinas' historic achievement in India.

McDaniel is among the players Stajcic called up for the competition, as she aims to return to form after suffering an injury during the Asian Cup. Also being called up after her impressive form in the youth level is Bella Pasion.

Only the top team gets to advance to the next round, joining six others alongside Australia, China, Japan, and both Koreas, who each have earned byes. Second round action will feature these twelve teams split into four groups, with the top teams of each group, and the best second-place team advancing to the final round. From there, two knockout matches will officially determine Asian representation in the Summer Games.

The competition serves as additional preparation for the Philippines' impending debut in the FIFA Women's World Cup later this year. They used the last FIFA women's football international window to participate in the Pinatar Cup in Spain, where they battled against Wales and Scotland before allowing five goals against Iceland.

Philippines reaches best-ever FIFA ranking for women

The Philippines continues its ascent in the latest FIFA rankings for women's football, with the results being unveiled on Friday.

The country moved up four spots to 49th overall after playing five matches, winning two friendlies against Papua New Guinea in Australia, as well as their participating in the Pinatar Cup in Spain.

With a total of 1496.23, it was an increase of 10.73 from the last edition back in December. The total is just 7.21 points behind Paraguay. It puts the side in ninth in the region and fifth in the AFF.

In a brief statement, the Philippine Football Federation says.

The Philippine Football Federation is proud of the achievement of the Philippine Women’s National Team, which recorded its highest FIFA ranking of No. 49 earlier today 24 March 2023.

It is a historic achievement that underlines the importance of collaboration between the PFF, team management and coaching staff, and the dedication, discipline and sacrifice of the players.

Indeed, the rise of the Filipinas shows that belief, professionalism, structure, organization and technical knowledge and commitment of players can lead us into the right direction.

We thank team manager Jefferson Cheng for his support to the team, and for joining hands with the federation to ensure that planned directions of the team are pursued with vigor. We also acknowledge the efforts of coach Alen Stajcic, and the Filipino coaches that come before him, in steering the team to great heights. Most of all, we are grateful for our national team players who, time and again, have shown their love for our country by representing the Philippines with pride and honor each time they step into the pitch. Indeed, plenty of the work is done behind the scenes – at planning sessions, in camps, and days and hours before matches – and we thank those who have quietly sacrificed their time and effort to ensure that the team continues its progress.

We hope that the rest of the country, specially the sporting youth, takes inspiration from the Filipinas and their achievements. These are exciting times and the PFF prays that the Filipino nation continue supporting the Filipinas at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in July 2023.

When asked about his thoughts, head coach Alen Stajcic shares, "Another amazing milestone for the Team on this journey to the World Cup. Another record for the country and further objective confirmation that we are heading in the right direction."

FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy set for Philippines visit

The FIFA Women's World Cup trophy

The Philippines will be one of the countries that will be a part of the biggest-ever FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy Tour.

Slated for March 1-2, the trophy makes its way to the country for the first time, appropriately with the Senior Women's National Team making its tournament debut later this year in New Zealand.

A public viewing is scheduled for the 1st of March, with the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati serving as the host venue from 3-6pm. A variety of activities are planned at that time to help celebrate the women's game, including mini-games, as well as the chance to have a photo with the trophy.

The Philippine Football Federation believes that having the trophy around will help boost the campaign of our Filipinas, as they continue their preparations towards an instant impact in the WWC.

"We are delighted to welcome the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy in Manila as the excitement
continues to build up for the Filipinas' debut in the most prestigious women’s football tournament in
the world. We invite all football fans and stakeholders to come and visit the trophy when it arrives here to see women's football’s biggest prize," shares PFF president Mariano Araneta.

PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes adds, "We hope that the upcoming trophy tour would inspire Filipino football fans and players, particularly young women’s players nationwide. It is a unique moment for everyone to see the trophy which is only seen during the official draw and the final match of the Women’s World Cup."

Philippine Football Federation taps adidas for Filipinas

adidas x Filipinas

An old friend has return to help the Philippines enter into unchartered waters.

On Thursday, the Philippine Football Federation has entered into a partnership with adidas to be the official kit supplier for the Senior Women's National Football team.

The Filipinas lived the famed Impossible is Nothing mantra by pulling off what was once unthnikable, earning their first-ever berth in the FIFA Women's World Cup, the highest level of competition for women's football worldwide.

It is this kind of groundbreaking move that inspired adidas to make the move in joining forces with the team, as a means to help empower them to victory and with unwavering glory. It is an action that aligns with the vision of sports as a means to change lives, which they will channel through the Filipinas as its latest role models, helping grow the game and move it forward.

To highlight the four-year agreement, the contract signing took place at the New World Hotel in Makati, with representatives from the federation, the team, and the brand present, both in person and online.

On hand for the PFF is General Secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes, whilst General Manager Anthony Frangos repped adidas Philippines. Making their presence felt as well are Kaya FC Women stalwarts Hali Long and Inna Palacios. Meanwhile, witnessing things online are fellow Philippines internationals Olivia McDaniel and Sarina Bolden, Team Manager Jeff Cheng, Belay Fernando-dela Cruz of the PFF as well as President Mariano Araneta.

In unveiling the partnership, Frangos shares, "As the country’s national women’s football team gears to have a packed 2023 ahead of them, we at adidas are truly honored to forge a partnership with them. In everything we do as a brand, we have always drawn inspiration from the saying ‘Impossible Is Nothing,’ and it is very clear how the national women’s football team has also long brought this to life. As we move forward, adidas promises to be beside these inspiring women for every training, every milestone, and every victory that awaits them."

On behalf of the team, Cheng says, "This is an incredibly significant partnership for the Philippine Women’s National Football Team. We are honored to  have adidas as our official kit supplier as we prepare to compete at the Philippines’ maiden FIFA World Cup in six months’ time.
 
We thank adidas for its inclusive support for the beautiful game all over the world, for sponsoring the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and now for giving its full support to the Philippines’ women’s teams, not just to our Senior Team bound for the World Cup but also to our youth teams participating in various international tournaments in the coming months.
 
Our entire group is excited to be adidas ambassadors and we hope that, together, we can bring football in the Philippines to unprecedented heights."

Notable aspects of the partnership includes dressing up the women's youth teams, with both the Under-20 and Under-17 teams set for continental participation later this year.

The Filipinas are in for a hectic 2023, capped by their inaugural participation in the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia/New Zealand. After the ceremony, Long and Palacios were scheduled to fly out later that day as they join the rest of the squad in Spain for the Pinatar Cup, a four-team tournament alongside European sides Wales, Scotland, and Iceland. Also on tap in between the two competitions are the first round of Olympic qualifying in April and the Southeast Asian Games in May.

adidas will provide more updates with regards to their partnership with the Filipinas on their social media platforms, as well as through their app and adidas.com.ph.

Olympics pathway now charted for the Filipinas

The road for the Philippines towards Paris and the 2024 Olympics has been determined, with the successful implementation of the draw for the first round of action at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

"I’m very excited to know our opponents," according to head coach Alen Stajcic, under whose leadership helped steer the country towards its upcoming debut in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co hosted by Australia and New Zealand, as well as its best-ever position in the latest FIFA Women's Football Rankings at 53rd overall. He adds, "It’s a long and difficult road to qualifying for Paris. But qualifying through Round 1 and trying to get some matches against the big nations of the AFC is a very enticing and appealing prospect."

Drawn into Group E, the Filipinas will be crossing paths against Hong Kong, Tajikistan, and Pakistan, the first two of which the Philippines has had recent success against.

In the road towards Asian Cup Qualification back in September 24, 2021, the Philippines defeated Hong Kong, 2-1, which was their third victory in ten meetings against each other. Meanwhile, the Filipinas has twice against Tajikistan, including a 3-1 win back in 2018 during the first round of qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Pakistan, ranked 177th overall by FIFA, completes the field, which will be played between April 3-11 at a venue to be determined.

The Filipinas will be facing the South Asians first, followed by the Central Asians and ending against their East Asian opposition, with the dates still to be confirmed.

Only the top team in each of the seven groups will advance in the next round, where the five best Asian teams (DPR Korea, Australia, Japan, China PR, and Korea Republic) are already waiting in the wings.

To advance into the final phase, the twelve teams in Round 2 will be drawn into three groups of four, with a round-robin to determine the winners of each group, as well as the best runner-up, advancing into a playoff for the two available spots for the Olympics.

Olympic pathway set to be determined for Filipinas

The road to Paris for our Senior Women's National Football Team is set after the Asian Football Confederation conducts its first round draw on Thursday at its Kuala Lumpur offices.

26 teams comprise the participating field for the first round, which the draw will filter into seven groups, five of which will have four teams and two with just three.

Matches will be played at an undetermined centralized venue between April 3-11.

Only the top teams of each group will advance into the second round, which will see them join the five-best teams in the region: Australia, China PR, DPR Korea, Japan, and Korea Republic. The twelve teams will be then drawn into three groups of four teams, with the top team of each group and the best second-place team advancing into the final round, which will be determined through home-and-away playoff matches.

At the end of qualifying, two teams will be representing the continent in 2024 Olympics.

In the previous go-round for the 2020 Olympics, the Philippines made it to the second round of qualifying, but bowed out after a defeat to Chinese-Taipei.

The 26 teams have been seeded into four pots, based on the latest FIFA Women's World Rankings released last December 9. The subdivision is as follows:

Pot 1: Vietnam, Chinese-Taipei, Thailand, Myanmar, Uzbekistan, Philippines, India

Pot 2: Islamic Republic of Iran, Jordan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Nepal, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia

Pot 3: Palestine, Singapore, Turkmenistan, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Tajikistan, Timor Leste

Pot 4: Sri Lanka, Maldives, Pakistan, Bhutan, Afghanistan

Thailand, Philippines set up AFF Women's Championship final

Sarina Bolden and the rest of the Filipinas slain their Goliath

The Philippines stunned defending champions Vietnam, 4-0, last night to reach the AFF Women’s Championship 2022 final for the first time in front of a delighted home crowd at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Bucking the odds and history, the Filipinas came through with a dominant performance from start to finish in booting Vietnam out of title contention, and to set up a title showdown and rematch with Thailand on Sunday.

In the other semifinal encounter, Thailand played patient and clinical football in subduing Myanmar, 2-0, in securing their seventh finals appearance for the biggest prize in Southeast Asian women’s football.

Vietnam will try to salvage some pride when it plays Myanmar for third place preceding the championship match.

Closely marked in the first 45 minutes Sarina Bolden scored a brace in the second half while veteran defender Hali Long and skipper Tahnai Annis added a goal each as the hosts fashioned the milestone win in front of around 3,000-plus fans, among them former Azkals team captain Stephan Schrock.

The hosts broke a nine-match jinx against the visitors, including a 1-2 setback in the group stage of the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam last May.

“I believe we came through with a complete performance. They are still the best team in Southeast Asia and just because we beat them tonight doesn’t mean they’re not. I believe we could have scored more goals. It shows the professionalism of this team,” noted Filipinas coach Alen Stajcic.

“We’ll enjoy this win in the meantime then perhaps look forward to revenge on Sunday,” added the Australian tactician in recalling the close 1-0 group stage loss to Thailand three days ago.

Before the crunch Philippines-Vietnam match, Thailand head coach Miya Okamoto remained non-committal at the post-match conference about Sunday’s championship match.

“We will always play the way that we always do, stick to our game and if we win, it will be a great souvenir for the players,” Okamoto said.

Inspired by the lively Filipino gallery, the Filipinas pressed the attack and were rewarded for their efforts through Long, who came rushing to the front to score a sharp header from Annis’s right corner kick that gave them a 1-0 halftime lead.

Annis then got into act, coolly converting a penalty kick in the 50th minute on defender Hoang Thi Loan’s handball violation inside the penalty area.

The Filipina captain then had another corner kick from the right corner anew, setting up the opportunistic header in the 62nd minute before calling it a night a few minutes later as she was replaced by Jessica Miclat.

Bolden then delivered the coup de grace with another header in the 70th minute off a short feed by Quinley Quezada to cap the home squad’s historic night.

Striker Kanyanat Chettabutr scored the icebreaker in the 43rd minute from a short pass by Jiraporn Mongkoldee, the ball slipping behind goalie May Zwin Nwe, bouncing off the left goal post and into the net to give Thailand a 1-0 halftime lead.

Barely minutes after subbing for Mongkoldee, Saowalak Pengman created instant offense in the 83rd minute, outsmarting two defenders in casually slotting in the second marker past a frustrated May.