PH women’s football team routs Tonga anew as training camp wraps up

Filipinas football team starting XI vs Tonga. Photo from @PilipinasWNFT Twitter/Eric Berry

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine women’s football team dominated Tonga anew with a 5-0 romp in an international friendly on Saturday before competing in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam this May.

Anicka Castaneda and Eva Madarang both delivered braces as Carleigh Frilles also scored a goal, drawing the first blood 13 minutes into action at Valentine Sports Park in Sydney, Australia.

Castaneda nailed her first goal at the 15-minute mark for a 2-0 lead before halftime. She brought the momentum in the second half, completing the brace in the 57th for a 3-0 spread before Madarang took charge.

Madarang made her first goal in the 71st minute before sealing the five-goal win at 85th.

The Filipinas blasted Tonga, 16-0, last week. Coach Alen Stajcic and the team completed their Australia training camp, winning all four of their friendlies including a pair of victories over Fiji. 

The women’s national football team, who are bound for its first Fifa Women’s World Cup stint in 2023, will try to end a 37-year medal drought in the SEA Games since the team’s bronze finish in 1985.

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Inquirer’s special coverage of the Hanoi SEA Games 2021.