AFC U-16 women - Davao girls shine in RP win

TWO girl booters from Davao City grabbed international spotlight when they came through with impressive performances for the Philippines in the AFC Under-16 Women's Championship Qualifying Round (Group A) at the University of Makati football field.


The pride of Davao, Janna Raizel Barcemo and Kyrhen Dimaandal, accounted for three of the seven goals as the country crushed Timor-Leste, 7-0, for its first win in the tournament.

Barcemo, only 12 years old but full of soccer skills, scored two goals and actually authored the first goal for Team Philippines in the competition when she struck in the 10th minute.

The early goal coming from the young Barcemo sparked wild celebration from among Filipino supporters and set the tone for a Philippine romp. Barcemo scored her second goal in the 22nd.

Dimaandal, another talented star in the making, scored the country's last goal in the 80th minute.

It was a big win for the RP team as it opened the event with a 0-2 defeat at the hands of Guam.

The Davao Football Association (DFA) could not help but expressed elatiom on the performance of the Davao youngsters.

"They are really doing great. We very much appreciate the support of their parents. Because of them the kids were able to join the national team and make not only Davao but our country proud," DFA secretary general said.

Aside from Barcemo and Dimaandal, four more players from Davao are in the RP line-up. They are Noreen Kim Maligad, Alyssa Marie Ang, Erika Lorraine Turtur and Sheinna April Chavez.

According to Dimaandal's father, Dr. Henry Dimaandal, her daughter and Maligad sustained suffered minor injuries and were doubtful for the Vietnam match. (CRAM)

Sun Star Davao