Philippine Malditas hit end of the road in Laos

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Malditas kissed their semifinal hopes goodbye Wednesday after a 1-5 loss to Thailand in the AFF Women’s Championship at the National Stadium in Vientiane, Laos.

It was the Malditas’ second straight loss in the tournament, following a 0-2 defeat to Myanmar in their opening match last Monday.

With their second victory in as many matches, Thailand clinched a semifinal berth along with Myanmar, which crushed Malaysia, 8-0.

Playing against a team that crushed them, 12-0, two years ago, the Malditas fell behind 0-3 by halftime, before surrendering two goals in the space of three minutes to Thai midfielder Nisa Romyen early in the second half.

Midfielder Sam Nierras salvaged some pride for the Philippines with a header in the 85th minute for the country’s first goal in the tournament.

The Malditas finished the game without their skipper, Marielle Benitez, who limped off because of a groin strain.

“Thailand outclassed us,” admitted Malditas coach Ernie Nierras, who had complained about spotty officiating in the loss to Myanmar.

“The girls gave it everything, but they (Thais) played a complete game.”

Nierras revealed that the Thais had invited the Malditas for a tournament next year possibly with other Asean teams like Laos and Vietnam.

The Malditas face fellow winless team, Malaysia, for their final group assigment today.