By NIKOLE JAVIER
The Philippine women’s national football team rampaged to its second straight win with an 8-0 rout of Tajikistan in the 2024 AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament Saturday, April 8, at the Hisor Central Stadium.
The Filipinas went on attack mode right away, rushing to commanding 6-0 lead
with six different players finding the back of the net before the returning Chandler McDaniel fired back-to-back goals to cap another dominant performance.
The win was a fitting sequel to a 4-0 win over Pakistan in Group E of the first round of the Olympic qualifiers.
They are now tied with Hong Kong for the lead with similar 6 points. They clash on Tuesday with the winner advancing to the second round of the Olympic qualifiers.
The Nationals practically reduced Tajikistan goalkeeper Saidova Saiyora to tears
once Sofia Harrison opened the floodgates in the 26th minute of the first half from the right side.
It was a 2-0 lead two minutes later with captain Tahnai Annis hitting it into an empty net, before Carleigh Frilles nailed the third goal – all in a span of five minutes.
Quinley Quezada had her moment in the 35th minute after a set up by Annis for a header which was followed by Meryll Serrano in quick succession three minutes later.
The Filipinas made it a dominant 6-0 before the break after Maya Alacantara’s goal on a rebound.
