The Filipinas U17 team began their campaign in the Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers with a strong romp over Syria.
The Filipinas U17 started out their campaign at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers with a bang as they routed Syria in a high-scoring fixture, 5-0, at the Pamir Stadium in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on Monday.
Four different players scored for the Philippines to propel them into the early lead — with only the group winners heading into the final tournament.
Grouped with Malaysia, Tajikistan, and Syria, the Filipinas took the top spot early with all three points and a +5 goal difference. Malaysia had a +2 goal difference which opened up the No. 1 spot for the young Filipinas.
Ari Enderes, who was named Player of the Match, was key to the dominant victory.
She started the scoring with a brace in the first half. She first found the back of the net in just the fourth minute of the match. She then followed it up with her second goal near the halftime break.
Heading into the dugouts after the first 45 minutes, the Filipinas were ahead, 2-nil.
Kaida Mizzo and Louraine Evangelista then joined the scoring party at the 50th and 52nd minute, respectively, to push it even further out of reach of the Syrians with a 4-0 hole.
Then super substitute Sofhia Muros came in at the 65th minute mark and wasted no time to get herself on the board. After coming in with Aryanna Capsa for Lauren Tiangco and Evangelista, Muros put the cherry on top for the 5-goal romp at the 73rd minute.
With a strong start, the Filipinas will try to push their bid for the final tournament even further in their last two matches.
They face hosts Tajiklistan next in a do-or-die match for the home team. They lost their first game, 0-2 against Malaysia.
The game is penciled in at 8 p.m. (Manila time), Wednesday, October 15, still at the Pamir Stadium.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.