Filipinas U17 move on to 2nd round of Asian Cup qualifiers

Photo from Guam FA

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines advanced to the second round of the 2024 AFC Women’s U-17 Asian Cup after a 2-0 victory over Lebanon on Wednesday in Dededo, Guam.

Bella Alamo and Nina Mathelus scored in the second half as the Filipinas U-17 side topped Group G by winning all two matches at GFA National Training Center.

Handled by senior coach Alen Stajcic, the Philippines will now aim for one of the four continental slots in the final phase of the qualifiers where eight teams are going to be split into two groups.

Already with direct slots in the U-17 Asian Cup are champion Japan, North Korea, China and tournament host Indonesia.

The Filipinas opened the campaign with a 3-1 win over host Guam last Saturday with Mathelus scoring a hat trick.

Against Lebanon, the Philippines broke the ice when Alamo scored off a low left-footed attempt in the 68th.

Mathelus virtually sealed the victory entering stoppage time by doubling the Philippine lead from the spot.

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