Filipinas near semis after rout of Malaysia in AFF Women’s Championship
Philippine women’s football team in the AFF Women’s Championship 2022. –PFF PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–The Philippines closed in on a semifinals berth in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship with a 4-0 victory over Malaysia on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Early substitute Sara Eggesvik scored the opener and also recorded an assist to lead the Filipinas’ third victory in as many games, needing one more to book a place in the last four of the regional competition.
Katrina Guillou, Quinley Quezada and sub Anicka Castaneda also found the mark for coach Alen Stajcic’s squad while once again encountering little trouble in getting another clean sheet.
Still on top of the table with nine points, the national booters can advance with a win against Indonesia on Sunday.
Eggesvik, who came in early for Kaya Hawkinson after hurting her head, delivered a long strike in the 32nd which Malaysian keeper Nurul Azurin appeared to have prevented.
But referee Thein Thein Aye ruled that the ball made it past the goal line, giving the Philippines the lead.
Guillou made it 2-0 before halftime on a rebound before Quezada opened the second half with a header. Eggesvik set up the game’s final goal in the 72nd that resulted in Castaneda finding the back of the net.
