PWNT produces fine comeback win over Nepal to open WAC qualifying campaign

With their backs against the wall, the Philippine women’s national football team dug deep to come back and claim a 2-1 win over a spirited Nepal side as they open their 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifying campaign today at the JAR Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Late goals from Tahnai Annis and Camille Wilson propelled the Filipinas to victory, which is a welcome relief for Marlon Maro’s squad who were chasing the result most of the match after going down early.

Nepal made the Filipinas pay for their lethargic start to the match, as they took the lead early at the 9th minute through a fine header by Bimala Chaudhary which came off an inviting cross from the left-hand side. Filipina goalkeeper and team captain Inna Palacios was able to get a hand to it but were ultimately unable to keep the ball out.

Eventually, the Filipinas grew into the match as they got the lion’s share of ball possession but were always thwarted by the Nepali squad, who were playing compact on defense and looked to swarm the midfield.

The start of the second half offered the same story, with the Filipinas finding it hard to impose their dominance on possession and translate it into a crucial goal. However, the narrative slowly changed as the Filipina substitutes came in, starting with veteran Cam Rodriguez in the 51st minute and attackers Isabelle Mapanao and Camille Wilson in the 66th minute.

Attempts started to come in but up to no avail, with Mapanao shooting a tame attempt at the 74th minute that was easily saved by Nepali goalkeeper Anjila Subba while Wilson got a free header which sailed wide at the 87th minute.

But the resilient Filipinas made a last-ditch barrage of attacks which eventually produced the goals to sway the match to their favor, starting with Annis equalizing at the 89th minute after slotting home an inviting cross whipped in by debutant Chandler McDaniel from the right flank. Two minutes later, the Philippine comeback was complete in stoppage time as Wilson got to the end of a left-hand cross by Rodriguez which the Nepali defense failed to clear.

After the match, head coach Maro praised the performances of the second-half substitutes, most of them attacking players, as they went all out to reverse the match in their favor. Meanwhile, Wilson was jubilant after scoring the match-winner, given that she just came back from a hamstring injury from the Filipinas’ training camp in the US before the qualifiers, saying that it is “an amazing feeling” to be back on the field representing the country.

Next and last up in the Filipinas’ qualifying campaign is Hong Kong, on September 24 (Friday) at 6 PM Manila time. A win will ensure the Philippines’ qualification to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup next year, which will be held in India.

Photo Credits: Philippine Football Federation