MANILA – Philippine Malditas bucked the boisterous home crowd to topple Jordan 2-1 at the start of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup at the Amman International Stadium.
Sarina Bolden drained the go-ahead conversion in the 76th minute as she overcame the defenders for Malditas on Friday night (Saturday in Manila).
The Philippine women’s football team needs at least a draw in its next two matches to punch a ticket to the Women’s World Cup in France next year.
“The top five teams in Jordan will progress to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. We are now just a point away from France,” said Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta.
While aggressive in its early shots, all the Malditas’ attempts were defended by Jordan keeper Salma Ghazal. The host managed to snatch the lead on a Maysa Jbarah hit in the 15th minute.
Malditas had opportunities to tie the score but shots from Quinley Quezada, Maria Park and Bolden fell short.
Jordan came close to increasing its lead but just missed narrowly on two occasions as the first half closed.
The Philippines was able to equalize in the second half after Jordanian defender Yasmeen Khair headed the ball into her own net.
Jordan tried to regain the lead but all its shots were read by Malditas keeper Kearra Bastes-Jones.
Malditas continued to pounce on Jordan’s defense until Bolden, with an inside hit, allowed the team to surge for good.
Jordan tried to launch an equalizer down the stretch but was unable to have a decent shot.
Mentored by Rabah Benlarbi, Malditas will return to action against powerhouse China on Monday evening before closing out its Group A matches against Thailand on Friday morning./PN
