By CARLO ANOLIN
The Philippines uncharacteristically committed a defensive lapse at the crucial stage and was punished by a well-disciplined Thailand side, 1-0, for its first loss in the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship Tuesday night, July 12, at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Some 3,000 spectators – the biggest so far – almost cried in despair when defenders Dominique Randle and Sofia Harrison failed to clear a high ball inside the box paving the way for Thai striker Kanyanat Chettabutr’s winning header in the 75th minute.
The loss relegated the Filipinas to second in Group A standings while the Thais grabbed the No. 1 seeding going to the semis round.
And the bad news, the Filipinas will have to face the No. 1 seed in the other group with defending champion Vietnam likely to claim it. The Vietnamese are to meet No. 2 Myanmar Wednesday night.
Until that 75th minute blunder, the Filipinas – cheered on lustily by new-found friends and loyal football fans who came with their children and schoolmates – had golden opportunities to pull off another shocker or earning a well-earned draw.
The Thais, however, refused to blink and showed why they are four-time AFF Women’s tournament queens.
“It was a tough game. Both teams could’ve won the game. Unfortunately, one error costs us the game tonight but we had enough chances to win the game,” said national team head coach Alen Stajcic. “We got punished by one error and that’s what happens in international football.”
Sarina Bolden, who made a hat trick in the Philippines’ 4-1 win over Malaysia, entered at the 81st minute in exchange for Carleigh Frilles but her late efforts down the stretch weren’t enough.
Bolden almost had a clear shot at the 89th minute but Kanjanapom Saenkhun and Tipkritta Onsamai frustrated her and the die-hard fans.
The Philippines had extra five minutes to settle for an equalizer but Bolden and Quezada just couldn’t find the back of the net.
Keeper Olivia McDaniels also held her ground and saved a crucial attempt from Jiraporn Mongkoldee to ward off the fuel to the fire.
