Malditas book ticket to Asian Cup

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Malditas booked a return trip to the prestigious AFC Women’s Asian Cup next year after topping the qualifiers in Group F with a 2-1 win over Hong Kong Friday night at the Jar Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

After a comeback win over Nepal earlier this week, the Filipina booters needed only a draw to advance but still went all in courtesy of Chandler McDaniel’s game-winning goal in the 87th minute.

Tahnai Annis, who also pulled off the game-winner in their 2-1 comeback win over Nepal, put the Filipinas on board in the 17th minute before Hong Kong equalized after the break.

Under the tutelage of Marlon Maro, the Philippines thus completed a perfect slate in Group F with six points to join host India, Australia, China and reigning champion Japan in the continental tilt set in January 2022.

South Korea also secured a spot after reigning supreme in Group E with six more slots still up for grabs in the 12-team Asian football joust.

The Malditas finished sixth in the 2018 edition but are seeking a top-five finish this time to qualify to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.