Philippines faces uphill battle in AFF women’s meet

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines faces tall odds as it battles powerhouse rivals in Group A of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship beginning today at Mandalarthiri Stadium in Mandalay, Myanmar.

The Filipinas take on no less than defending champion Thailand in the opener, hoping to score a favorable result to jumpstart their campaign in the Southeast Asia’s showpiece tournament.

After the fancied Thais, Phl XI meets Vietnam, a semifinalist in 2015, on July 28, then mixes it up with Singapore on July 30.

The Pinays aim to finish in the Top 2 of the group to advance to the cross over semis.

Host Myanmar, last year’s runner-up, Australia’s Under-20 squad, the 2015 third-placer, lead Group B, which also has Malaysia and East Timor.

The Philippines failed to get past the group stage last year in Vietnam as it logged only one win against two losses.

Veteran Fil-Am striker Heather Cooke, who has seven international goals for Phl, leads the side assembled by coach Letecia “Buda” Bautista and her assistants Marielle Benitez and Joyce Landagan for this campaign.