In the earlier game, it was scorching with the heat biting down on the players, and match officials on the pitch. But the conditions did not stop the players from charging at their opponents from the start. The Philippines turned in some fine moves and somewhat rattled the Malaysians. But the Malaysians held their ground and launched into attacks when they had a chance.
With the half all but over, and the players set to get out of the sun, the Philippines pushed up and earned the opening goal of the tournament. A deft tap over the keeper struck the bar and dropped into the path of Kathleen Camille Rodriguez who easily slipped it in.
The Philippines were on their feet again when they added a second off a set-piece in the 51st minute. Defender Claire Elisabeth Lim floated in a high cross to the far post where Hali Moriah Candido headed over Malaysian keeper Nurul Azurin Mazlan. In an almost similar set-piece, nine minutes later, Claire, from a freekick, lifted the ball deep into the box. Nurul tried to grab it but the ball came off her and into the path of Kathleen to tap in.
“It was a good start for us, we are happy with the result of the game. Although during the first 15 minutes we struggled because of the pressure from Malaysia, after that we controlled the game. We had a lot of attacking, had many chances but did not capitalise,” Dimzon Marnelli Salvador, the Philippines head coach said.
Malaysian coach Jacob MJ Joseph said his girls had chances early on but did not score. “The first 20 minutes, we played well and had two or three chances but did not make use of them. We gave them a lot of space and did not close them down.”
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