By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Philippine women’s football team earned their AFC Women’s Asian Cup seat after defeating Hong Kong, 2-1, and swept their way in Group F of the qualifiers.
It was a magnificent job for head coach Marlon Maro since taking over head tactician duties for the national team as he kicked off his post with a 2-0 start in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
After a stellar come-from-behind victory over the tough Nepal squad, the PH team this time made sure they dictated the tempo in their game against Hong Kong.
Tahnai Annis, who gave the PH their first goal against Nepal, delivered once again for the PH Malditas together with Chandler McDaniel.
Hong Kong leveled the intense showdown in the 61st minute after Chung Pui Ki found the back of the net in a free-kick.
As Hong Kong was about to regain momentum, McDaniel answered back with a goal of her own 27 minutes after the match was deadlocked.
With the huge win, the PH Malditas will be one of the 12 qualified teams that are set to compete for the last five spots in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
