Pinay booters blast UAE in Asia Cup elims

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines crushed United Arab Emirates, 4-0, to get its quest in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers off to a hot start at Central Republican Stadium in chilly Dushanbe, Tajikistan Monday.

Fil-Am Eva Madarang debuted with a brace while Irish Navaja delivered a goal and an assist also in her maiden stint as the Pinay booters picked up the full three points for second in Group A on goal difference behind Jordan. The Jordanians walloped Bahrain, 6-0, for the top spot.

“The girls really played well and they worked together, that was the most important part,” said Phl coach Letecia Bautista, whose wards face Iraq next.

After testing the UAE keeper with a couple of early shots, Phl scored in the 14th minute as Madarang broke through the defense and fired the opener home. The California-based Madarang then made another strike in first-half stoppage time to pad the lead.