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.

Philippines earns Women's Asian Cup quarterfinal spot

c/o Asian Football Confederation

Thursday night was another memorable part of Philippine Football, as the Philippines booked their spot in the quarterfinals of the Women's Asian Cup with a 6-0 victory over Indonesia at Pune.

Five Pinays got into the scoresheet, led by Tahnai Annis and her brace.

Motivated by the desire to book their spot in the FIFA Women's World Cup, they applied pressure on their fellow ASEAN opposition, hoping to capitalize on mistakes.

It took them four minutes to coax that out, as Vivi Oktavia Riski was called for handball inside the area, awarding a penalty for the Philippines.

Sarina Bolden sent the spot kick towards the left upright, but Katrina Guillou redeemed her teammate shortly. After receiving Carleigh Frilles' cross, she then slotted it past Riska Aprilia to open the scoring for the evening.

Bolden would eventually secure her goal in the 27th minute, heading home a Jessica Miclat free kick to double the lead.

Indonesia managed to keep it to that scoreline until the halftime break, many thanks to Aprilia's efforts.

The second half saw continued pressure from the Filipinas, and they got their third goal after a poor clearance found its way to Tahnai Annis, who struck the ball towards the bottom right corner in the 56th minute.

A second penalty was awarded in the 73rd minute with Dominique Randle was fouled inside the area. Miclat converted it this time for the Philippines to make it 4-0.

Annis netted a brace with a sensational strike from distance in the 83rd minute, before Malea Cesar completed the scoring in injury time, as the substitute took advantage of an empty net situation thanks to the heroics of Sara Castaneda.

The win ensures the Philippines finishes in second place, setting up a quarterfinal matchup against Chinese-Taipei.

Australia secures Women's Asian Cup quarterfinal berth

Sam Kerr

Australia snapped up one of quarterfinal spots in the AFC Women's Asian Cup with a 4-0 victory over the Philippines at the Mumbai Football Arena on Monday.

Fresh from an 18-0 shellacking of Indonesia, the Matildas were fancied to easily dispatch the Philippines, who needed another late finish to secure a victory.

But in a surprise to many, the Filipinas were up to the challenge of trying to make things difficult for the title contenders.

In fact, the Philippines had the first scoring opportunity six minutes, as a returning Sarina Bolden found Chandler McDaniel, only for the latter to send it just wide.

The Matildas managed to assert themselves and took control of the match afterwards, but the rest of the first half saw their chances being stymied by a determined squad, led by Kiara Fontanilla on goal and defenders Hali Long and Dominique Randle.

With the first half ending in a goalless stalemate, Australia kept up the pressure after the break, with scoring opportunities from Ellie Carpenter and Mary Fowler just missing

The Matildas finally broke through in the 51st minute, with Kerr converting a header off a Steph Catley corner kick.

They would then double the advantage a few minutes later, with Randle unfortunately lobbing the ball back into her own net trying to defend against Kerr.

Emily van Egmond put her name on the scoresheet for Australia's third goal, a header to net her fourth goal in the tournament in the 67th minute, before Mary Fowler capped off scoring by sending the ball onto the bottom corner twenty minutes later.

Tony Gustavsson's side now tops Group B with six points, and will lock that slot up with at least a draw against Thailand on Thursday.

As for the Philippines, they still maintain foothold over Thailand thanks to their head-to-head tiebreaker advantage. They face Indonesia that same day knowing a win definitely assures themselves of a spot in the quarterfinals.

PFF praises Malditas performance

The Philippine Senior Women's National Team

The Philippine Football Federation praised the achievements of its Senior Women's National Team, after the squad booked its spot in the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 on Friday.

Federation president Mariano Araneta shares, "We are truly delighted by this remarkable achievement by our Philippine Women’s National Team. Qualification to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup is a testament to the hard work and sacrifice made by the players and the coaching staff and the support of sponsors and stakeholders. It wasn't an easy journey owing to the fact that the team competed and represented the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We cannot rest on this achievement. We will leave no stone unturned in preparing the team in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, where the Top 5 teams will qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023."

 

The Philippines earned a return trip to the top continental competition for women's football by topping Group F in qualifying, securing 2-1 victories over Nepal and Hong Kong in the past week.

As one of twelve finalists, they have a shot of securing five automatic berths allocated for the Asian Football Confederation to the FIFA World Cup. This allocation already excludes Australia, which locked in a berth as the World Cup co-hosts with New Zealand. An additional two more spots are allocated to an Intercontinental Tournament, for which the last three berths are at stake.

Philippines escapes Nepal to open Asian Cup Qualifying

Sara Castaneda

The Philippines needed some late drama to kick off Group F action at the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 Qualifying, eking out a 2-1 victory over Nepal at the JAR stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on Saturday.

Tahnai Annis and Camille Wilson scored the tying and game-winning goals for the Malditas, who trailed nine minutes in after allowing a Bimala Chaudhury header into the net.

Nearing the end of the match the @PilipinasWNFT trailed 1-0 and were close to losing their shot at qualifying for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

But then the Malditas gave us a reminder why you should always play until the final whistle 🇵🇭⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/9LDtQU1iiO

— Paolo del Rosario (@paodelrosario) September 18, 2021

The victory allows the Philippines to vault ahead of idle Hong Kong atop the group with three points, with the top finisher being rewarded a spot in the tournament proper next year.

The Malditas will be interested observers when Hong Kong and Nepal face off on Tuesday, before facing the former on Friday. Both matches will have a 6pm kickoff (Manila time).

The Philippines is seeking to enter the AFC Women's Asian Cup for the tenth time in its history. Their previous appearance in 2018 put them one win short of securing one of the coveted five Asian slots in the FIFA Women's World Cup in France.

23 called up for Round 2 of Women's Football Olympic Qualifiers

The senior women's national team

The fate of the Philippines as to whether they can make the next step onto the road towards the Olympics got a little more clearer on Monday, as the Philippine Football Federation revealed its 23-woman roster.

They managed to earn their spot in this round by finishing second on their group in first round qualifying, defeating Singapore, Tajikistan, and Mongolia before bowing to Chinese-Taipei in their final assignment.

The Philippines has a chance to avenge that loss back in November, as they face them on April 7 at 1am (Manila time). Before this, they face Iran on April 4, also at 1am (Manila time). They close out play against Palestine at midnight on April 10 (Manila time).

In announcing the roster, the PFF, through its General Secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes, shares, "We wish the Philippine Women’s National Football Team the best of luck as they embark on another round of Olympic Qualifiers in the Asian region. Women’s football has come a long way and we hope the team builds on this ahead of the upcoming 30th Southeast Asian Games this November."

The lineup is as follows:

Analou Amita
Mea Bernal
Sara Castaneda
Stacey Cavill
Alisha Del Campo
Alesa Dolino
Chelo Hodges
Patrice Impelido
Loreta Ladero
Mary Lam
Hali Long
Eva Madarang
Rocelle Mendano
Christina Montelibano
Irish Navaja
Hannah Pachejo
Inna Palacios
Kimberly Parina
Camille Rodriguez
Joyce Semacio
Calah Simarago
Tara Shelton
Patricia Tomanon

Thirteen members of the squad were on the team that finished second in Group A of the first round of Olympic Qualifiers, which was good enough to earn themselves a spot in the second round.

Among the ten newcomers, there are a couple who are making their return to the national team set-up, led by Simarago of Cal-Santa Barbara and Etang Ladero.

Marnelli Dimzon is the head coach, with Gerald Orcullo and Melo Sabacan acting as assistants.

The MVP Sports Foundation has provided some of the support for the Senior Women's National Team.

This is the first of at least three tournaments that these ladies are set to participate, with the AFF Women's Championship in August and the 30th Southeast Asian Games in November.

Final 23 Filipinas for Women's Asian Cup revealed

Your Senior Women's National Team

The Asian Football Confederation on Friday formalized the announcement of the squads participating in the 2018 AFC Asian Cup for Women this coming April in Jordan.

Among those announced are the ladies representing the Philippines, which earned their way into the finals for the first time ever.

The 23 players announced are as follows:

Inna Palacios (formerly of La Salle)
Claire Lim (UC-Santa Cruz)
Alesa Dolino (OutKast FC)
Krystal De Ramos (Portland State)
Hali Long (formerly of Little Rock)
Morgan Brown (formerly Santa Clara)
Camille Rodriguez (Hiraya FC, formerly of Ateneo)
Marisa Park (formerly of Wake Forest)
Jesse Shugg (Fylkir)
Caitlyn Kreutz (UNLV)
Ryley Bugay (Marquette)
Kearra Bastes-Jones (Crescenta Valley Soccer Club / Bishop Amat HS)
Leah Larot (formerly Sacramento State)
Sara Castaneda (La Salle)
Alexa Diaz (currently an assistant at Pacific Northwest Soccer Club)
Stacey Cavill (Beckenham Angels)
Calah Simarago (formerly of UC-Santa Barbara, currently Fram Ajax Soccer Club)
Tahnai Annis (formerly Florida, currently an assistant at Averett University)
Patrice Impelido (Hiraya FC)
Quinley Quezada (UC-Riverside)
Jessica Miclat (UC-Irvine)
Chalise Baysa (Olympic Soccer Academy)
Sarina Bolden (Loyola Marymount)

This group, alongside Mea Bernal, Eva Madarang, Amy Aquino, Sofia Harrison, and Dylan Patterson, comprise the final training pool that wrapped up its preparations last week. Under the mentorship of Rabah Benlarbi, they played a couple of friendlies in Japan, then made it back in time to witness their male counterparts qualify for their version of the AFC Asian Cup at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Palacios, Dolino, Long, Impelido, and Castaneda were part of the squad that both secured qualification in Tajikistan and participated in the SEA Games last year. Lim was part of the Tajikistan qualifiers, but was not on the SEA Games roster. Rodriguez was part of the SEA Games roster, but had to bow out from attempting to make the Tajikistan qualifiers roster.

The newcomers to this squad are a combination of former national team players as well as recent participants to the identification camps that took place late last year and earlier this year

Annis and Impelido serve as the team's co-captains for this tournament.

Here are some quotes from some of the overseas-based players called up for international duty:

Claire Lim: "It feels amazing and surreal to be a part of this team that is making history for Philippine football," Lim said. "I am beyond excited to play in Jordan, and I can't wait to see how far we'll go!"

Krystal de Ramos: "I'm grateful to have this opportunity again. Having the chance to represent the Philippines again, with the stakes being so high this time, is such an honor. There is no better feeling than playing for something bigger than myself." "The sacrifices I've made in this process have been completely worth it. All the women I've had the chance to play with on this journey have worked so hard and have given up so much. I feel lucky to share this experience with them and am looking forward to Jordan."

Caitlyn Kreutz: "The steps to qualify were far from easy. The trainings were physically exhausting and mentally draining. We had a new coaching staff, so previous experience didn't matter. Every training forced me to push myself to the max to ensure that I would make the team. It was well worth it and I can't wait to try and make my country proud." "It means a lot for me to play for the Philippines because my my mom was born there and her family still lives there. The Filipino culture is different because once you do something for them, everyone you meet you bond with. It's so nice to know that support from strangers is genuine. It's also important to me because the better the Philippines National Team becomes, the better women's soccer becomes at younger levels there. I'm really hoping to make a difference with this team." "I think with having a fairly young team, my experience can help us prepare mentally for what's to come during the season. All the travel and demands are not always easy, but I hope the lesson is that with a great group of girls and a team mentality we can get through anything."

Malditas raring to go for the AFC Asian Cup

Ongoing right now in Corona, California is the latest training camp for the Philippines Senior Women's National Team. Set to last for a few months, this allows the coaching staff led by Rich Boon to fine-tune things in the run-up to the AFC Women's Asian Cup set this April.

There are currently five locally-based camp participants in Corona. Four of them managed to answer a few questions relating to the campaign.

On the #RoadToJordan:

Camille Rodriguez: I'm very excited with the journey ahead of us. We're already one foot in making it to the WCQ, so we need to perform our best in April to get both feet in for the World Cup. And it's the World Cup we're talking about! That's something every footballer can ever dream to be participating in! Personally I'm in this a hundred percent, nothing less. I'm looking forward to learning from my coaches, teammates, opponents, and the whole experience. At the end of the day, this is for the betterment of Philippine football, especially for the women's game.

Sara Castaneda: Mainly just excited about it, especially because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Inna Palacios: We want to give our best efforts when we get to Jordan. Having the camp in California is providing the training and recovery we will need in our preparations up until April. It’s exciting to fresh faces and other girls who want to represent the Philippines, all fighting for a spot to help qualify [for France] in Jordan. It will be just a small step on improving women’s football back home.

Patrice Impelido: I’m excited for the start of camp and to meet the entire coaching staff and my teammates. I know it’ll be very competitive because we’re all fighting for a spot on the team. But it’s great that we’re able to start preparations early. This preparation will be very crucial because it’s only three months before the tournament. Team chemistry will be very important. I’m ready to face the challenges ahead.

On representing the locally-based players:

PI: Definitely feeling the pressure, but it’s also an honor. There will be only seven representing the local talent. Being from the US originally, having played Division I soccer, living in the Philippines the past three years, having the most international experience, having been assistant coach for the youth national teams, I have the great responsibility to share my experience, guide, and be an example for all the players.

On the likelihood of being homesick:

CR: It's always going to be hard being away from family but I rest easy knowing they're only one message away. Besides, I have pieces of home with me — my teammates. I'd also like to believe that my previous experience performing my student-athlete and national team duties have prepared me for this. While this will be the longest time away from home yet, commitments really call for sacrifices, and this sacrifice is one I'm more than willing to make.

IP: It’s weird being away from home and not having the vibe of the Philippines, but this is the sacrifice asked of us to represent the flag. It’s important to push through adversity. We all come from different places and having us altogether for this camp helps us bond and get some team chemistry which will hopefully show on the field.

On balancing being a student-athlete with national team duties:

SC: Hopefully they will allow me to go back and forth during our breaks so I can still play games.

Malditas commence next phase of AFC Women's Asian Cup preparations

Philippine internationals Camille Rodriguez, Sara Castaneda, Inna Palacios, and Patrice Impelido at NAIA

The next phase of preparations for the 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup kicked off earlier today, with the start of the training camp at Corona, California.

To be overseen by senior women's national team head coach Richard Boon with chief assistant Clint McDaniel, 42 ladies are expected to participate in this camp, which will last for three months. It will be a combination of those who participated in the identification camp that took place last month, alongside those who had been previously called up for national team duty.

Among those set to participate are the quartet of of Camille Rodriguez, Sara Castaneda, and co-captains Inna Palacios and Patrice Impelido, who departed from Manila earlier this week. Set to soon join them from Manila to Corona are Alesa Dolino and Mea Bernal. As for those based overseas, the likes of Jesse Shugg, Alexa Diaz, Eva Madarang, Hanna Parado, and Claire Lim look to compete for the chance to represent the country in Amman this coming April.

The AFC Women's Asian Cup doubles as the Qualifiers for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup that will take place in France. Five slots have been allocated for Asian sides, which will be taken up by the top two teams in each group, and the winner of the fifth place playoff between the two third place teams.

The Philippines is grouped in Group A, alongside China, Thailand, and hosts Jordan. Comprising Group B are Australia, Japan, Korea Republic, and Vietnam. The schedule of the matches are as follows, with noon kickoff times (which could still change):

April 6 vs Jordan at Amman International Stadium
April 9 vs King Abdullah II International Stadium
April 12 vs King Abdullah II International Stadium

In line with the prospect of potentially making it to the top tier international women's football tournament in the world, the Philippine Football Federation created the Project Jordan task force under the auspices of PFF President Mariano V. Araneta, alongside assistance and support from organizations like PLDT, the MVP Sports Foundation, Gilligan's Winner Circle Athletics, and Pythos Technology Philippines, Inc. The ongoing camp is part of such preparations, which could potentially include participating in friendlies.

According to Araneta, he sees this tournament as a means to user a new era of women's football in the Philippines. He views this as "a huge opportunity for our women's team to make history and inspire more girls to play football in the country." Araneta adds, "Positive results in the Women's Asian Cup will surely encourage and motivate the next crop of women’s footballers."

Philippines secures favorable draw in AFC Women's Asian Cup

The AFC Women's Asian Cup logo, also revealed for the first time this past weekend.

The draw for the 19th edition of the AFC Women's Asian Cup took place this past weekend at the King Hussein bin Talal Convention Center, which lies along the eastern shores of the Dead Sea in Jordan.

With eight participating nations, the draw split them into two groups of four teams. FIFA rankings were used to determine the pots for which the draw will base the groups from, with the exception of Jordan. The hosts are paired with Japan in the first pot. The second had Australia and China, the third had Thailand and Korea Republic, and the fourth had Vietnam and the Philippines.

The Philippines will be making its return to the competition for the first time since 2003, doing so for the first time through qualifying. They accomplished that feat with a runner-up finish to Jordan in the Qualifiers held earlier this year in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, becoming the first Filipino side to earn participation in a top-tier national team competition in the continent.

The draw proceedings placed the Malditas in Group A, renewing acquaintances with Jordan and Thailand. Completing the quartet is China, the only team in the group ranked in the top 25 of the FIFA rankings.

In contrast, Group B has powerhouses Japan, Australia, and Korea Republic that are all within the top fifteen of the FIFA rankings, with 31st-ranked Vietnam completing that quartet.

The top two teams in each group will advance to the semifinals, and along with the fifth best team in this tournament, will secure access to the FIFA Women's World Cup set to take place in France this 2019.

The schedule for the Group Stage portion of the competition will be as follows:

April 6 Jordan vs Philippines / China vs Thailand
April 7 Japan vs Vietnam / Australia vs Korea Republic
April 9 Philippines vs China PR / Thailand vs Jordan
April 10 Vietnam vs Australia / Korea Republic vs Japan
April 12 Jordan vs China PR / Thailand vs Philippines
April 13 Japan vs Australia / Korea Republic vs Vietnam

The fifth place game between the two third-place teams to determine who secures the last Asian FIFA Women's World Cup slot will take place on April 16. The semifinals will take place the next day, with the winners facing off on April 20 to determine the champion.

Aside from the draw, the AFC also unveiled the tournament's official logo, which captures the female footballer as a superheroine, capturing the strength, agility, intelligence, and bravery in the women's game.

Local reactions to the draw came swiftly, with Technical Manager Ernie Nierras among those fervently praying for this exact grouping to emerge. Recent Corona camp participant Camille Rodriguez expressed excitement with how the draw turned out to be.

Philippine Football Federation President Mariano V. Araneta: "We are happy with the outcome of the draw and look forward to the opportunity to bring honor to our country. We call on all true supporters of Philippine Football to come together to help make the World Cup Qualification a reality. In 2010, the Miracle in Hanoi brought us all together to support the MNT. Now is the time for Women's football to take us to the next level." (Araneta is also directly overseeing the preparations for the Malditas as its overall head)

Co-Captain Patrice Impelido: "I just want to thank my teammates, the coaches and staff, without them we wouldn’t be in this position. Also thanks for all the support from everyone! I’m actually speechless! Thank you God for this draw. I’m excited! Please keep supporting us! LABAN FILIPINAS!"

Co-Captain Inna Palacios: "We see light and hope to make the next round. But again, it's not going to be an easy journey. It never will. Proper preparation is crucial here. We cannot wait!"

In addition, Jordan head coach Michael Dickey believes that the Malditas they faced in the qualifiers will be a dramatically improved side by April. He expects that the hosts will be facing a team that is ready to compete against them.

Meanwhile, Nierras shared that the next stage of preparations for the Malditas will take place on December 27 to January 10 in Corona, California. This camp is expected to include a select group of locally-based players, alongside those who participated in the November identification camp for the overseas-based participants.