The Philippine Under-20 Women’s National Team notched their first win in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2024 qualifiers after a 1-0 win over Laos U20 WNT last Friday 10 March 2023 at the KM16 National Stadium in Vientiane, Laos.
The win was the Philippines first win since 2012 when the country defeated Hong Kong in the then AFC U19 Women’s Championship qualifiers which was held in Manila in 2012.
Defender Kylie Yap scored the marginal goal for the Philippines in the 42nd minute, which had to play with 10 women for the most of the match.
Kaiya Jota was given her marching orders in the 10th minute. The goalkeeper was adjudged to have handled the ball outside the box, after a shot attempt from Laos. Substitute goalkeeper Alexis Tan came on to replace Elaine Pimentel for the rest of the match
Despite going a woman down, the Filipinas U20 side did not waver. Isabella Flanigan almost made it 1-0 midway the first half, but she was flagged for offside.
With minutes left in the first half, Yap struck gold. Yap was there to head the ball past the goalkeeper after an inviting free kick from Sabine Ramos on the right flank.
Holding a slim lead in the second half, the Philippines pressed on for a second goal, but chances from Flanigan and Chayse Ying failed to add gloss to the scoreline.
Nevertheless the Philippines held on to secure the win and move to second place in Group A with three points.
The Philippines will play their final match of the qualifiers against Hong Kong on Sunday 12 March 2023 at the same venue.
