MANILA – From punching a ticket to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to copping a Southeast Asian Games bronze medal for the first time in 37 years, Filipinas are now queens of the AFF Women’s Championship.
The Philippine women’s football team made history via a stunning 3-0 triumph over four-time champions Thailand in the one-game finale last night at the packed Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Jessika Cowart and Katrina Guillou connected a goal each in the opening half before Sarina Bolden capped the magical evening with a last-minute goal as the Filipinas captured its first-ever major football title.
Olivia McDaniel, for her part, was also a standout for the Alen Stajcic-mentored Filipinas as she was on point on every close attempt from Thailand, which defeated the Philippine team in the group stage, 1-0, last Tuesday.
Cowart opened the scoring for the national women’s football team as she bravely headed the ball at the eighth minute from a corner pass by Tahnai Annis to the delight of around 8,000 Pinoys inside the venue.
Guillou then doubled the advantage for the Filipinas at the 20th minute mark as she tapped in the ball after it was kicked to her by Bolden, who received the ball from Jaclyn Sawicki.
Bolden, for her part, also had close opportunities to widen the lead but her close range try at the 36th minute was foiled by the defense of Thailand goalkeeper Chotmanee Thongmongkol.
The national squad had more opportunities in the second half but were always defended until Bolden put on the nail on the coffin at the 88th minute with a header from a corner kick.
“Football is alive in the Philippines and that’s all that matters. This (AFF championship) ranks as the number one highlight of my career,” a jubilant Stajcic said in his post-match interview.
On their way to the championship round, the national women’s football team pulled off a 4-0 stunner against dethroned champions Vietnam, while Thailand ousted Myanmar, 2-0./PN
