The Philippine Women’s National Football Team flexed its muscles on its return to action, as it blanked Jordan 3-0 in their first match during the Pink Ladies Week in Antalya, Turkiye.
A six-month wait was all worth it for the 39th-ranked Filipinas, as it won their first match of the year and played their first fixture since losing a pair of friendlies away at South Korea last April.
The win was also the first since the controversial departure of chief benefactor Jeff Cheng last June.
Sarina Bolden extended her reign as the Filipinas top-scorer, with her brace hinking her all-time tally to 30 international goals.
It took just two minutes for the Filipinas to strike first, with the Como forward headed home the cross from the debuting Janae DeFazio past Rawand Kassap for an early lead.
However, manager Mark Torcaso would have some concerns in defending the box, as exemplified in the 57th minute when they conceded a penalty on Sara Eggesvik’s handball.
But Olivia McDaniel proved her worth as she palmed away Ayah Al-Majali’s effort from 12 yards soon after.
Bolden then made it 2-0 from the spot eleven minutes later after she was tugged down by the said defender.
Lastly, Katrina Guillou ensured the win in the 77th minute on yet another penalty, with Maysa Jbarah the guilty party after taking down substitute Quinley Quezada.
Next up for the Filipinas will be the 151st-ranked Kenya on Wednesday, October 30. * * *
