PH Malditas crush high-ranked Iran in AFC Women’s qualifiers

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Malditas, as promised by their coach, created a stir in the Asian AFC Women’s Qualifying.

The Malditas crushed higher-ranked Iran, 6-0, Tuesday at the start of Group B play at the Bangabandu National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Beefed up by several United States-based standouts who have NCAA Division 1 experience, the Malditas dominated the match right from the get-go, scoring three goals in the first four minutes.

Heather Cooke headed home the opener in the first minute after a fine cross from Natasha Alquiros, before Megan Marie Jurado doubled the lead two minutes later.

Jesse Ann Shug knocked in the first of her two goals in the fourth minute before doubling her tally in second half stoppage time.

Joanna Houplin was also on the scoresheet with her 41st minute strike that made it 5-nil at halftime for coach Ernie Nierras’ charges.

“This team will do unbelievable things,” Nierras said before the Malditas left for the tournament.

“My target is to reach the World Cup and the only way to do that is to top our group and go all the way in the Asian Cup.”

The crunch match in the qualifiers will be against Thailand Friday, where Nierras intends to pull a surprise with “three fast strikers.”

The powerhouse Thais drubbed Bangladesh, 9-0, in their opener.