by Ashley Bercasio
The Philippine national women’s football team followed up their historic win against Australia, pummeling Singapore, 7-0, in the 2022 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship on Wednesday, July 6, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The Filipinas broke the game open early, recording four goals at the half.
Isabella Flanigan opened the scoring for the Philippines in the 8th minute as the 17-year-old defender fired a volley that went past Singaporean goalkeeper Beatrice Tan Li Bin’s reach.
Philippine team captain Tahnai Annis was then credited a goal at the 9th minute after Singapore inadvertently deflected the ball in their own goal.
Annis struck again in the 18th minute, converting on a header.
Sarina Bolden, last game’s lone scorer, closed the Philippines’ blistering first half courtesy of a header off Annis’ cross at the 37th minute.
The Filipinas’ offensive onslaught carried on to the second half as Sara Eggesvik, Kaya Hawkinson and Anicka Castañeda joined the scoring parade with goals at the 46th, 55th and 68th minutes respectively.
With the win, the Philippines now paces Group A with six points. Thailand follows with four points.
Malaysia completes the top three, after earning two points. Australia, Indonesia, and Singapore are in 4th to 6th place with one point apiece.
The Filipinas will try to make it three in a row when they face Malaysia on Friday, July 8 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. – bny
