Sacrifice, desire fuel women’s team

They may have lacked training time together, but there was no shortage in drive and belief for the Philippine women’s football team, which made history on Monday night by clinching a spot in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

A clinical strike from La Salle standout Sara Castaneda in the 82nd minute at Pamir Stadium ensured the Filipinos salvaged a 1-1 draw against Bahrain for the decisive point they needed to reach the final tournament in Jordan next year.

On the heels of impressive wins over United Arab Emirates (4-0), Iraq (4-0) and Tajikistan (8-0), coach Buda Bautista’s team still had to overcome a second-half deficit against a Bahrain side that was also facing a must-win match.

It was a historic feat considering the Philippines reached the final tournament under the new format for the Asian Cup, which now requires a qualifying phase, unlike the country’s last appearance in 2003 in Thailand.

“With very short preparation and missing players during camp, the team really worked well together,” captain Patrice Impelido told the Inquirer. “We all had our sacrifices to be here. We all wanted it. We all knew it was possible. We all had the same mentality: We wanted to go to Jordan.

“I was just proud of our team,” said Impelido. “Even though we gave up a goal, we never gave up. We kept fighting. And when Sara (Castaneda) scored, I was like we’re back in this! I’m so happy we qualified and we’re going to Jordan.”

Japan, China and Australia gained outright entry to the tournament as the top-ranked teams in the continent, while Jordan, which the Philippines will face on Wednesday, also gained a spot as host. Thailand advanced after its qualifying group.

Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta was among those who sent congratulatory messages to the team.

“It’s a young and fearless team,” said PFF general secretary Ed Gastanes, noting that the PFF-organized women’s league late last year was critical to the team’s success.