Inspired by the heroics of the men’s national side, the women’s squad collectively known as the Malditas set out to make history of their own when they vie in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup in Amman, Jordan, starting April 6.
The Malditas, who were at Rizal Memorial Stadium to support the Azkals last Tuesday when they clinched an Asian Cup berth for the first time, are targeting a maiden appearance in the Fifa Women’s World Cup via the eight-nation Asian Cup.
The top two teams from each group will clinch spots to the World Cup in France next year while the third-placed squads will dispute the last spot for the continent.
Aside from training camps in the United States and Japan, the Philippine Football Federation tapped French coach Rabah Banlarbi for the squad’s biggest test yet.
Banlarbi had stints in Myanmar and Italian club Juventus.
“Our target is to go to the World Cup,” said Banlarbi, noting that the Malditas had a favorable draw after landing in a group with Jordan, Thailand and China.
The other group includes Australia, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam.
The Malditas will face Jordan first.
“If we get three points against Jordan, we have a good chance to qualify,” he said.