Pinays gain elite Asian Cup football final

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine women’s football team made it to Asia’s centerpiece tournament ahead of the Azkals.

The Pinay booters booked a ticket to the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup’s final round after guaranteeing a Top 2 finish in the Group A qualifiers in Dushanbe, Tajikistan Monday night.

Sara Castañeda struck with a late goal to salvage a 1-1 standoff with Bahrain that with a game to spare in group play, sent Phl to the Asian showpiece where powerhouses Japan, Australia, and China, as well as host Jordan are already seeded.

Castañeda scored in the 82nd minute to offset the 56th minute opener by Noora Sami Al Dossary and secure the point and qualification slot for Phl.

“It was a crazy match. It was like playing for the title. We wanted this more so we were able to bounce back,” said Phl coach Letecia Bautista.

“We had a few good chances in the first half that we weren’t able to capitalize. We knew a goal was coming. Even though Bahrain was able to score first, we never gave up. There was still plenty of time in the second half. We kept on fighting, kept our composure and worked as a team,” said captain Patrice Impelido.