By Marjoe Toquillo

PHOTO: AFC

No payback, no mercy– just pure 'Maldita' authority.

Malditas rode on a sizzling performance after trouncing Indonesia with a 6-nil domination to march to the quarterfinals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on Thursday at the Shri Chhatrapati Sports Complex.

Malditas exhibited greatness after showing a well-balanced offense and defense that left Indonesia helpless throughout the 90-minute match.

The Malditas victory was their second in the Group B eliminations, as a win versus Chinese-Taipei on Sunday will send the Philippine belles to their first-ever appearance in the 2023 Women's World Cup.

Katrina Guillou showed how formidable their team could be after clinching a clean goal in as early as the first five minutes of the game.

Sarina Bolden made up for her miss on a penalty kick at the fourth minute as she added the second goal for the Philippines at the 28-minute mark.

The second half opened the floodgates for the Philippine booters as Tahnai Annis' brace at the 55th and 81st minute, Jessica Miclat's penalty kick at the 73rd, and Malea Cesar's exclamation goal at the 90+4-minute mark served as their parting gift to the Indonesians.

Earlier into the match, Thailand turned out to be one tough customer for powerhouse Australia but the latter still eked out a hairline 2-1 result, booking their fourth quarterfinal appearance since joining the AFC.

Emily van Egmond and Samantha Kerr notably brought Australia to its convincing victory with their individual goals.

Nipawan Panyosuk managed to secure a goal for Thailand but it was not enough to bring the determined Aussies down.

The Philippines is set to face Chinese Taipei on Sunday, January 30 for their lone shot at the semifinals and slot to the 2023 World Cup. On the same day and with the same objective, Australia will lock horns with South Korea who finished second in Group C after tying with Japan, 1-1.


Edited by Jostle Doen Pilayre