Filipinas dominate UAE in Dubai friendly

The Philippine women’s football team defeated United Arab Emirates, 4-1, Friday in the first two friendly matches between the two squads in Dubai.

Chandler McDaniel scored two goals while team captain Hali Long and Meryll Serrano also found the back of the net for the Filipinas in the match as part of the ongoing camp in the oil-rich country.

Two players also made their debut for coach Mark Torcaso’s side in Paige McSwigan and Aliana Weibel, who entered the pitch in the second half.

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Both teams will meet again on Tuesday to conclude the Dubai camp, which was scheduled after the initial plans of playing in a tournament in China didn’t push through due to logistical concerns.

The two friendlies will serve as preparation for the Filipinas’ first important competition of the year which is the Asian Cup Qualifiers in June.

Long opened the scoring for the Philippines, eight minutes after the opening whistle, before McDaniel doubled the lead in the 19th.

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Serrano made it 3-0 before McDaniel got her second goal two minutes later for the Philippines.

The scoreline stood until the 89th when the Philippines conceded a late goal that prevented the hosts from getting shutout.