Tougher grind ahead for Malditas

MANDALAY, Myanmar—The task of winning the country’s first Southeast Asian Games gold medal in football just got tougher for the Philippine Malditas.

But with a team tipped as the best ever assembled in recent memory, the national women’s side is brimming with confidence as it kicks off its campaign against host Myanmar at Mandalarthiri Stadium here.

The late withdrawal of Indonesiahas reduced the Malditas’ group to three teams, leaving coach Ernie Nierras’ side with little room for error.

The Malditas face 2009 titlist Vietnam on Friday in what is considered the tournament’s Group of Death.

“There’s really no excuse for us not to be competitive against the best teams here,” said Nierras.

The Malditas have improved significantly in recent years, following their recruitment of several United States-based standouts. Still, they are expected to have their hands full against the hosts, who beat them by a combined score of 8-1 in their last two matches.

Joana Houplin, who scored the lone goal against Myanmar in the AFF Championship, will return to power the side that will be skippered by Nierras’ daughter, Samantha.