Filipinas aim higher, shoot for third straight win vs Malaysia

The Philippines aims for its third straight win against Malaysia to keep the fire burning and move closer to the semifinals of the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The Filipinas booters, after listing back-to-back victories, in front of a sizeable crowd, try to continue their hot streak against the Malaysians in their 7 p.m. encounter Friday night, July 7.

Now with six points, the Filipinas hope to get a tight grip of their solo lead in Group A as Thailand and Malaysia respectively trailed with four and two points.

Australia and Indonesia collide at 4 p.m. in the same venue while Singapore faces a tall order against Thailand at 7 p.m. over at the City of Imus Grandstand in Cavite.

National team head coach Alen Stajcic expressed satisfaction with the Filipinas’ 7-0 routing of Singapore given huge contributions from their deep bench.

READ: Stajcic: Filipinas deserve full stadium

Despite drawing less amount of spectators, with 647 present, on a fair weather, the Filipinas waxed hot early in the first half behind the efforts of Isabella Flanigan, Tahnai Annis, Sarina Bolden and an own goal before Stajcic made key substitutions in the next 45 minutes.

Sara Eggesvik and Kaya Hawkinson found the back of the net at the 47th and 57th minute marks before Anicka Castaneda, who came off the bench, provided the seventh and last goal for the Filipinas at the 69th minute.

“Maximizing the bench shows the discipline within the team, shows the unity, shows the alignment we have in the group,” said Stajcic. “Regardless of who comes on, we will maximize them well. It is important that everyone contributes. We have a big squad.

“Obviously it is important to be at the top of the table and that’s where everyone one to be. We are pleased to be here right now, but there is still a lot of work to be done,” added the Australian mentor. ###

The 7-0 domination sure fueled the World Cup-bound Filipinas heading into their game against Malaysia but midfielder Jessica Miclat noted that there’s still no room for complacency in this tournament.

“I think it shows we are capable of putting goals at the back of the net. If we do the right things, it results in goals,” said Miclat. “But we won’t be complacent although we won 7-0 because we still have lots of matches ahead.”

Only the Filipinas (2-0-0) and the Thais (1-1-0) have secured wins so far while the rest of the Group A participants have settled for draws.