Strong start for PWNFT after a historic victory against Thailand

Photo Credits: AFC

History was made inside the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai, India after the Philippines notched a victory against Southeast Asian rivals Thailand, a victory that has been elusive from the Philippine Women's National Football Team for such a long time.

A frantic start but a lovely finish. That's how the game can be described as the Philippines, after losing 12 consecutive times against Thailand, finally won by a slender margin and taking away all three points to kick off their 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup on a high.

"We'll enjoy this tonight. It's a special victory for the country," said coach Alen Stajcic after a historic first match at the helm of the Philippine Women's National Football Team.

It was a dream start for the girls in white after 45 minutes as they are able to keep the Thais scoreless. Who was once pouncing on the PWNT may have seemed to be on the back foot after the Malditas kept on being on the offensive.

Debutant Katrina Guillou made life very difficult for the Thai defenders as two of her attempts almost gave the ladies in white the advantage. On the 14th minute, Guillou received a lovely cross from Chandler McDaniel only to be judged offside.

She was at it again on the 29th minute with a long-range chip attempt that hit the crossbar. Hali Long also joined the attacking on the 33rd minute after receiving the corner inside the box but her strike hit the wrong side of her boot.

The second half was something better for the Malditas as they kept on the pressure on the Thais until they give in. McDaniel broke free from her defenders in the 67th minute but her strike was too strong to be on target.

Sara Castañeda, who just came in on the 71st minute, left her defenders after a lovely pirouette before passing the ball to Carleigh Frilles who then crossed it but couldn't find any players in white.

The opening goal finally came in the 81st minute after a powerful strike from the 2021 ESBF Women's Football of the Year McDaniel forced the goalkeeper to commit a mistake and found the ball rolling past the goal line.

The ladies in blue didn't back down as they went on the offensive in the last few minutes of the half. The Malditas needed to hang on for dear life for 13 minutes to finally win against Thailand.

They defended well enough to finally snatch a victory against their Southeast Asian neighbors who always have the upper hand against the Philippines. This victory puts the Philippines in second place after matchday one as Australia showed Indonesia no mercy with an 18-nil display.

"We didn't expect that they will be able to keep their style of play," said coach Miyo Okamoto of Thailand.

The Philippine Women's National Football Team will then be facing Australia on matchday two where a draw would give the ladies a huge boost for their attempt to make it to the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.