The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) proudly congratulates its member club Stallion Laguna FC for making history as the first Filipino women’s club to reach the quarterfinals of the 2025-26 AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL), marking another significant milestone in the continuing rise of Philippine women’s football on the continental stage.
Stallion, champion of the 2024 PFF Women’s Cup, concluded their remarkable campaign with a 0-5 result against Japanese powerhouse Tokyo Verdy Beleza on March 28 at Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo, Japan. Despite the loss, the Filipina side stood resilient against one of Asia’s most decorated clubs, showcasing discipline, courage, and competitive spirit worthy of the continental stage.
The quarterfinal appearance alone represents a landmark achievement, placing Stallion among the top eight clubs in Asia and underscoring the steady progress of Philippine football at both the club and national levels.
“Stallion Laguna FC’s historic run to the AFC Women’s Champions League quarterfinals is a testament to the growing strength and competitiveness of Philippine women’s football on the continental stage,” said PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez on Stallion’s first international campaign. “Their achievement is a testament of the hard work of all those who have contributed to the rise of Philippine women’s football, inspiring the next generation of Filipina footballers to compete and succeed against Asia’s very best.”
Stallion’s journey to the knockout stage was built on a strong and determined campaign. In the preliminary round held in August 2025, the team delivered dominant victories over Khovd Western of Mongolia (6-1) and Strykers FC of Guam (13-0), before narrowly missing a clean sweep with a 1-3 result against ISPE of Myanmar.
Advancing to the group stage in November 2025, Stallion faced some of the continent’s elite clubs. The Filipina side competed against Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City, falling just short in a tight 0-1 match, and encountered eventual powerhouse Melbourne City of Australia. They bounced back emphatically with a 5-0 victory over Singapore’s Lion City Sailors, securing their place in the historic quarterfinals.
In the knockout match against Tokyo Verdy Beleza, Stallion Laguna displayed defensive organization and composure, particularly in the first half. Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, alongside defenders Phyu Phwe, Miamour Mesa, Valeria Rios, and Kenna Davidson, held off multiple attacking threats from the Japanese side.
Beleza eventually broke through in the 41st minute with a skillful goal by 20-year-old Moka Hiwatari, before capitalizing on their depth and experience in the second half, opening the floodgates with four goals. Olivia McDaniel, still, displayed her topnotch goalkeeping with 16 saves on Beleza’s shots on goal.
Team captain Chandler McDaniel, who led Stallion Laguna’s scoring with 11 goals throughout the tournament, reflected on the significance of the campaign.
“Coming into this game we knew that Japan was going to be a very good team… I thought we did really well still. At the end of the day we’re still just a really small team from the Philippines so to be able to play against a team like Japan is always a great opportunity. I’m really proud of all the girls for showing up,” McDaniel said.
“Of course the result isn’t what we wanted but we’ve come all the way to the quarterfinals as a whole team and still competed. We’re still very happy with the results and there’s always room to grow,” the Filipinas standout added.
The 2025-26 AFC season is still not over for the Philippines though as Manila Digger is set to vie for a final slot in the AFC Challenge League when they face Cambodian side PKR Svay Rieng on April 9 in Phnom Penh and April 16 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
PFF warmly invites Filipino football fans to support Philippine clubs competing internationally and in domestic leagues such as the Philippines Football League, PFF Women’s League, PFF Futsaliga, and the upcoming PFF National U16-U19 Championships this summer.
(Featured photo from Stallion Laguna FC)
