Filipinas crush Tajikistan, near second round of Olympic qualifiers

PFF PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines-The Philippine women’s football team closed in on a spot in the second round of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament after rolling to an 8-0 rout of host Tajikistan on Saturday at Hisor Central Stadium.

Chandler McDaniel capped off the onslaught with a brace in the second half as the Filipinas produced another win to stay on top of Group B at six points with a game left in the competition.

Sofia Harrison, Tahnai Annis, Carleigh Frilles, Quinley Quezada, Meryl Serrano and Maya Alcantara accounted for the six goals the Philippines scored in the first half.

Coach Alen Stajcic’s side can advance to the next round of the qualification phase for the 2024 Paris Games with a victory over Hong Kong on Tuesday.

PFF PHOTO

Hong Kong is likewise even on points with the Philippines after posting two victories over Tajikistan and Pakistan.

Only the group winner will progress to the next phase.

Harrison produced the opener in the 26th minute before Annis followed it up shortly after the double the Filipinas lead.

But the Philippines refused to stop as Frilles struck in the 31st, Quezada in the 35th and Serrano in the 38th while Alcantara made it 6-0 just before the halftime whistle.

McDaniel, playing her second game since returning from an ACL injury, scored at the hour mark before adding a second goal right before stoppage time.

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