The Philippine Under-17 Women’s National Team staked their claim for a knockout spot after a 3-1 win over Bangladesh Friday afternoon at the National Youth Training Centre in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Bowing out to Australia in their opening match last Wednesday, the Filipinas U17 started the match strong with Isabella Preston breaking the deadlock in the third minute.
However, celebrations turned sour as Bangladesh answered right after the restart from Mst Sagorika.
Nina Mathelus, who scored two goals in the loss to Australia, sent the Philippines ahead in the 32nd minute to take a half-time lead.
Not to be undone, the Philippines added a third goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time from defender Jelena Soon.
Coach Sinisha Cohadzic’s side return to action on Sunday with a crunch match against Vietnam to determine the second team that will qualify to the final round to be played next year in Indonesia.