Philippines Women’s National Team head coach Rabah Benlarbi refused to dwell on the 3-1 loss against Thailand and has viewed it instead as a vital learning experience for the players.
The Philippines started the match well, but everything came undone when Thailand scored penalty spot in the 27th minute and was followed by Tahnai Annis’ equalizer in the 32nd minute that was unfortunately waved off by the referee. Two more goals for Thailand in the second half ultimately decided the match until Jesse Shugg’s consolation gave the Philippines a chance to finish the match strong.
“We started well in the first 20 minutes,” said Benlarbi after the match. “We continued to play and we scored (in the 32nd minute), but it was refused, but this is football and you can’t complain.“
The loss meant the Philippines will play the third-placed team in Group B on Monday night 16 April 2018 (Tuesday morning 17 April 2018) at the Ammad International Stadium. The match will decide the fifth and final team that will play in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup which will be held France.
“We still have a chance (to qualify for the Women’s World Cup),” stressed the French coach. “It’s not yet over for us. We will go out and try to play without pressure.”
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