The success of the Philippine Women’s National Team in the recently concluded AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers earned the plaudits of the football community.
The Philippines posted identical 2-1 victories over Nepal and Hong Kong to qualify as Group F winners for the 12-team AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022, which also serves as the qualifiers for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, scheduled to take place from 20 January to 06 February next year.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Committee, led by its chairperson Mahfuza Akther Kiron, congratulated the six nations – Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Korea Republic, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam – that qualified for the final competition, and the determination of all AFC Member Associations in ensuring the successful resumption of Women’s football competitions against the backdrop of the pandemic.
The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) also congratulated the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) for its tremendous efforts to qualify for the competition amidst the ongoing pandemic. The Philippines is one of four ASEAN nations to have qualified for the Women’s Asian Cup.
“The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) demonstrated its resilience as well as character during these challenging times. We wish you and your women’s national team continued success in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022,” said AFF president Major General Khiev Sameth in a letter to PFF president Mariano Araneta, Jr.
The team’s corporate backer, the MVP Sports Foundation, also cited the team’s stellar performance during the qualifiers.
“We are very proud of our Women’s National Football team who demonstrated their strength, resilience, and determination to win despite the challenges brought about by the global pandemic. This milestone is a step towards our goal — for the Philippines to qualify in our first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand,” said MVPSF president Alfredo Panlilio.
PFF is now in the process of finalizing its preparations for the continental showpiece with another training camp in the United States scheduled for November 2021 until January 2022.
The Philippine Women’s National Team is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, MVP Sports Foundation, and team manager, and PFF Women’s Committee co-chairperson Jefferson Cheng.