The Philippines national women’s football team maintained a perfect record on Saturday, defeating Hong Kong, 1-0, in Phnom Penh to earn a place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia next year.
The result combined early brilliance with discipline and grit. Chandler Blue McDaniel scored the lone goal in the fourth minute, giving the Filipinas an early lead they never relinquished at the National Sports Complex in Cambodia.
The win confirmed the Philippines’ second straight Asian Cup appearance—an achievement that was nearly unthinkable a few years ago.
Still riding the momentum from their breakthrough 2022 campaign, which led to a first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup berth, the Philippine team came out with intent. Alex Pino delivered a precise pass through the defense, allowing McDaniel to calmly send the ball past goalkeeper Leung Wai Nga.
From then on, it became a defensive stand. Hong Kong applied consistent pressure, searching for an equalizer, but the Philippines held firm. The backline remained organized and composed, turning away multiple attacks and preserving the narrow lead.
Even as Hong Kong pressed forward, the Filipinas remained threatening in transition. McDaniel and Sarina Bolden kept the opposing defense alert, but no further goals followed in what became a tense and physical contest.
At the final whistle, celebrations erupted on the Philippine bench. Three matches, three wins, no goals conceded, and a spot secured for Australia 2026. The Philippine team arrived with determination and left having written another proud chapter in their growing football legacy.
