The Philippine Women’s National Team clinched a berth to the AFF Women’s Championship 2019 knockout stages following a comprehensive 4-0 win over Singapore in the final Group A match last Friday, 23 August 2019 at Institute of Physical Education in Chonburi, Thailand.
It is the first time that the Philippines has qualified in the knock-out stages of the competition. The team finished second in Group A behind Thailand with 9 points after four matches.
Forward Alisha del Campo led the team with a hat-trick performance. Quinley Quezada also netted her fourth goal of the tournament to draw level with fellow top scorer Camille Rodriguez.
Del Campo opened her account in the first minute of the match. A long ball from Sara Castañeda found the forward past the offside trap, and finished with ease.
Quezada added the second a mere five minutes after the opener. A half-clearance from Singapore allowed Hazel Lustan to send the ball in for the forward to finish.
The Philippines finished the first half with a three-goal lead. Del Campo headed in her second goal in the 45th minute after Dionesa Tolentin’s first time shot was denied by the goalkeeper.
Del Campo completed her hat-trick and the rout in the 50th minute. The forward punished the Singapore defense with a well-timed run to snatch the ball away and in to the back of the net.
“The Philippine Women’s National Team’s group stage performance has been an inspiring one,” said PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes. “We congratulate the team for this achievement, but the job is not yet done. We wish the team all the best in the semi-finals.”
The Philippines, which is managed by Jefferson Cheng and supported by Philippine Sports Commission and MVP Sports Foundation, will face Group B winners Vietnam in the semi-final on Sunday, 25 August 2019.”
