2 months after their Herstoric run in the AFC Women's Asian Cup, the Filipinas (formerly Malditas) is back in action for their Friendly Match with Fiji at Western Sydney Wanderers Field in Western Sydney, Australia. As for Coach Alen Stajcic, who's contract is now extended until the duration of the FIFA Women's World Cup. This is for their preparation for the upcoming SEA Games next month.
For those who have missed the live stream, you can click/tap here to watch the full match.
Both teams played in wet conditions since it was raining at the start of the 1st Half. It was scoreless in the first 10 minutes, but there were signs of life and multiple chances on the 6th and 8th minute but was cleared away inside the penalty area.
Quinley Quezada who celebrates her 25th Birthday with the opening goal in the 13th Minute, a great quality finish hitting the bottom right corner. 3 minutes later, Anicka Castañeda makes it 2 goals to nil after a cross coming from Malea Cesar from the right flank, then connects it with a header.
Dominique Randle goes for the 3rd Goal in the 34th Minute when Fiji tries to defend their posts, however Randle within close range finds the back of the net. 3 goals to nil, the Philippines are now on the lead as we reach the 39th Minute, Tahnai Annis with the 4th Goal after a through ball from the left flank.
3 minutes later, Annis makes it 5 - nil, and her 2nd Goal just yards within the penalty area in the left flank hitting the top right corner, and after the Half Time whistle, Castañeda with her 2nd Goal after multiple attempts from Annis but saved and great goalkeeping skills from Anaseini Maucuna, then Castañeda finds the opening making it 6 - nil.
In the 2nd Half, with 6 goals as the Filipinas are in great form after 2 months. Fiji makes it into the scoreboard with 2 goals as their consolation goal. In the 49th Minute after a corner kick, Olivia McDaniel tries to punch the ball away but it was a rebound, and Cema Nasau nails it within the goal area hitting the top middle of the net.
In the 62nd Minute, Alizza Hussein goes one on one with Olivia McDaniel, but Olivia manages and tries to save it, but the ball reached the goal line hitting the bottom right corner.
11 minutes before Full Time, the birthday celebrant Quinley Quezada with her 2nd Goal makes it 7 goals to 2, after the interception she position herself in the penalty arc hitting the bottom left corner. As the Full Time whistle blows, Philippines with 7 goals over 2 goals to Fiji.
Next week on Monday (April 11), Philippines will take on again Fiji with their last international friendly match. Kick Off at 3.00pm Australian Eastern Time, while 1.00pm Manila Time.
Lead Image from the ©Philippine Football Federation's official Facebook page.