NAVI MUMBAI – Chandler McDaniel struck nine minutes from time as the Philippines ended its long losing spell to Thailand with a thrilling 1-0 victory last Friday night in Group B of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 at DY Patil Stadium here.
What looked like a speculative effort from McDaniel turned out to be the match-winner as veteran Thai goalkeeper Waraporn Boonsing made a mess out of the strike, allowing the ball to creep past the line in the 81st minute.
The Filipinas held their ground in the final minutes before picking up their first three points of the tournament at the expense of the Thais, who have won all of their previous 12 meetings with the Filipinos.
“It’s a massive win,” said PWNT’s Australian coach Alen Stajcic. “It definitely improves our chances of making the next round.”
The Top 2 teams in the group are guaranteed to make it to the quarterfinals together with two of the best third-placed teams from the three groups. Australia walloped Indonesia, 18-0, to take the lead in Group B ahead of the Philippines on goal difference. The Top 5 teams in the tournament will qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup next year.
The Filipinas fired an early warning shot when the debuting Katrina Guillou met McDaniel’s cross with a powerful effort inside the box in the 13th minute. But the goal was waived off as Guillou just strayed offside. Guillou was at it again minutes later as she ran into Sofia Harrison’s lofted pass, before hitting the crossbar with an effort from outside the box.
Hali Long who was celebrating her birthday also had a glorious chance in the first half when she broke free to get on the end of McDaniel’s delivery only for her to scoff the chance. The Filipinos limited the Thais to half chances in the opening 45 minutes as Long, Dominique Randle, Eva Madarang and Sofia Harrison were alert to the danger just like Olivia McDaniel who was making her first start on goal.
The Thais started the second half brightly, but still struggled to create clear-cut chances. Quinley Quezada had the best chance of the second half when she latched unto McDaniel’s through ball only to fire a tamed effort against Boonsing.
As the match looked headed for a stalemate, McDaniel found time and space just outside the box to test Boonsing again. This time, the veteran Thai goalkeeper lost her concentration, allowing the Filipinas to find the breakthrough.
The Philippines goes up against Australia on Monday at Mumbai Football Arena with a win guaranteeing a spot in the next round.
