Norielle Pastor

The Philippines made a statement in the AFC Women's Olympic Football Qualifying Round after drubbing Hong Kong, 4-0, to book a second round ticket in their last Group E match Tuesday, April 11, at Hisor Central Stadium. 

Photo Courtesy of Rappler

A hot start from Sarina Bolden in the first half ignited the team scoring two goals while Merryl Serrano and Quinley Quezada chipped a goal of their own respectively to cap off an unblemished 3-0 record in the first round. 

Coming to the Hong Kong game, the Filipinas also annihilated Pakistan, 4-0, and 8-0 against Tajikistan.

The Philippine Women's National Football Team (PWNFT) made quick work in the Group E finishing off with 16 goals in total without giving up any goal.  

Bolden's first goal came up early at 5' finishing up a fine assist from the half-line from Katrina Guillou. 

Sarina once again found the back of the net in 44' with a help from Sara Eggesvik in the corner to make it 2-nil for the Stajcic-mentored team. 

The Filipinas rode the momentum and never looked back as Serrano scored the third goal in the 44th minute leading to a Quezada's early goal eight minutes before the restart of the second half. 

Coach Alen Stajcic was satisfied with their first round run despite feeling that the team should've scored more if they maintained their precision inside the penalty box. 

“I thought we played well, we controlled the game well, probably our best control we’ve had this week here against a good opposition, an opposition 15 months ago we beat only 2-1 in the last minute,” said the Australian, who was coaching the 100th international match of his career. 

This win will be the first time that the Filipinas will qualify to the final group stage of Olympic qualification. 


Jostle Doen Pilayre