DUSHANBE, Tajikistan – The Philippines clash with Hong Kong on Tuesday for a spot in the next round of the AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament at Hisor Stadium.
The Filipinas are on top of Group E on goal difference after resounding victories over Pakistan and Tajikistan.
While they only need a draw in the 4 p.m. match (7 p.m. in the Philippines) to secure their progress to the second round, the Filipinas are putting premium in performance as they continue their buildup for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in July.
Coach Alen Stajcic’s side is bracing for a tough battle against a side that the Filipinas narrowly beat, 2-1, in AFC Asian Cup Qualifying almost two years ago in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
“It will be a tough game, a very close game, but if we play well, I’m confident we can get the job done,” said Stajcic last Saturday night after the Filipinas drubbed Tajikistan, 8-0. The Filipinas overwhelmed Pakistan, 4-0, in their opener last Wednesday.
Hong Kong beat Tajikistan, 3-0, before following it up with a 2-0 blanking of Pakistan last Saturday, setting the stage for the rubber match.
“It was only 18 months ago that we scraped to a 2-1 win to qualify for the Asian Cup so we have to treat them (Hong Kong) with a lot of respect,” said Stajcic. “It could have easily been Hong Kong making it to the Asian Cup so we know that it is going to be a tricky assignment.”
Ten players have scored for the Filipinas so far in the tournament with Chandler McDaniel netting three in her return from a 14-month absence. Filipinas Hali Long and Eva Madarang also achieved milestones in the first two games with Long in her 70th game for the country against Pakistan, while Madarang played her 50th in the match against Tajikistan.
