By: Jonas Terrado
MANILA, Philippines–The Philippines advanced to the final of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship by pulling off the unthinkable.
Not only did the Filipinas upset defending champion Vietnam before a crowd of 3,233 at Rizal Memorial Stadium, they did so in dominating fashion with a 4-0 victory to set up a title showdown with Thailand.
A festive atmosphere greeted the ladies, who responded with a sublime performance that looked impossible given Vietnam’s status as perhaps the region’s best women’s football team.
Hali Long’s header in the 32nd minute put coach Alen Stajcic’s side ahead, but the floodgates opened in the second half when Tahnai Annis scored from the spot and Sarina Bolden put up a brace.
Continuing the habit of making history since the start of 2022, the World Cup-bound Filipinas hope to wrap up the campaign with a silverware to lift when they face Thailand for the title on Sunday.
Thailand handed the Philippines its only loss of the tournament last Tuesday, when it pounced on a defensive miscue to score the lone goal at the close of the group stage.
That relegated the Filipinas to a runner-up finish in Group A and a date with the crack Vietnamese side, which topped Group B by winning all four matches, scoring 18 and conceding none.
But the hosts were unfazed, and now they’ll have a crack at getting back at the Thais in what could be another magical night at the 88-year old stadium.
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