Manila Digger FC booked their place in the final of the PFF Women’s League 2023 sponsored by Coca-Cola Philippines after a 4-3 penalty shootout win over PFF Women’s League champions Far Eastern University last Wednesday 27 September 2023 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Manila Digger’s Hannah Pachejo scored the winning penalty as FEU’s Kyla Doctora sent her spot kick to the cross bar ensuring the debuting club advance to its first top-flight final.
Both teams were neck and neck throughout the 90 minutes, and had to wait for an additional hour to begin extra-time as intense rains hampered the Rizal pitch at the end of the second half.
Roselle Lecera and Mea Bernal scored the first two penalty kicks for Manila Digger as Janly Fontamillas missed her first kick for FEU.
Erma Balacua restored parity at 2-2, but FEU target woman Dionesa Tolentin missed her effort.
Manila Digger goalkeeper Ayishatu Simpson became the hero late in the shoot out initially denying Doctora’s first take, but her retaken penalty was denied by the upright ensuring Manila Digger’s passage to the final.
Manila Digger is set to face the winner of the Kaya FC-Iloilo vs. De La Salle University tiff scheduled next week.
