MANILA – The Philippine women’s football team suffered a stinging 1-0 defeat to Thailand in the 2022 Asian Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship on Tuesday evening at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Kanyanat Chetthabutr was the difference maker for the Thais as her second half conversion netted them the top-seed in the Group A, while relegating the Filipinas to second place.
Chettabutr took advantage of the defensive miscue by Filipinas’ Dominique Randle and Sofia Harrison as she scored on a header past the defense of national team’s goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.
At around the 80th minute, late substitute Sarina Bolden appeared to have been tripped in the box at the 89th minute but the referee did not call a foul on Thais but just a corner kick instead.
The national women’s football team also took a corner kick in added time to keep the Thais on their toes, but unsuccessful connections in the box helped Thailand hold on for the win.
“Every team has many problems, same with us,” said Thai coach Miyo Okamoto. “One by one, the team has cultivated the skill to solve every problem we have. Today, we were able to show that in the game.”
In the opening half, both teams were slow with their attempts until the Filipinas had a golden opportunity to draw first blood courtesy of Jessika Cowart’s close shot at the 30th-minute mark.
Thailand also had its chance at the 37th minute as Cowart was booked for a hard tackle on Pattaranan Aupachal just outside the box. A cross by Chatchawan Rodthong was blocked by Filipinas’ Katrina Guillou.
Carleigh Frilles was close to putting the Filipinas ahead just before the halftime break but her cross was tipped out by Thailand’s keeper. Off a corner, Hali Long saw her header saved by Frilles’ activity and won the Philippines another corner but still no conversion.
The Alen Stajcic-mentored national women’s football team and Thailand will return to action in the semifinals on Friday evening against their Group B counterparts Vietnam and Myanmar./PN
