Dynamic duo of Alexa Pino, Nat Collins shines in PH U17's Asian Cup opener

BALI, INDONESIA — The Philippines’ campaign in the U17 AFC Women's Asian Cup got off to an excellent start with a resounding 6-1 win over hosts Indonesia in a pleasant evening in the Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Bali.

A first half brace from standout Alexa Pino set the tone for the young Filipinas against an overmatched Indonesian side who simply had no answers to the Filipinas' aggressiveness and energy all game long.

A brace from Nat Collins and a well taken shot from Jael Guy completed a convincing victory for the Filipinas, who were never really threatened all game long. Defender Ariana Markey also capped a solid performance at the back with a goal to her name.

Indonesia did score a goal in the 16th minute against the run of play that caught everyone in the stadium by surprise, but in truth that was their one and only real chance in the game.

Pino and Collins started up front in a 4-4-2 formation for the young Filipinas, and the dynamic duo stole the show.

Pino's goals effectively put the game to bed, but her overall technical skill and aggression drove the young Filipinas forward, highlighted by an audacious rainbow flick in the 50th minute to elude the defender and create a scoring chance.

Collins' overall tenacity and persistence were the embodiment of the team's efforts, en route to a player of the match performance.

Battling a minor illness, Nina Mathelus came on as a sub in the 73rd minute, but she missed a host of chances that would have increased the young Filipinas’ goal differential.

The missed chances might to be prove crucial, given that our next two matches are against the toughest teams in Group A in North Korea and South Korea, but there is little doubt that it will only be a matter of time before Nina finds her scoring touch.

Newly elected president of Panay Football Association and former PFF President Nonong Araneta was in the stands to watch the young Filipinas, and he was all praise for the team.

"It was a good performance from the team. Usually in the first game, there are jitters," said Araneta. "But our players played well. Although we missed a lot of chances, we're happy with the result."

Up next are mighty North Korea, who have been in the finals of this competition seven times.

The Philippines will be wary of a North Korea team that demolished South Korea, 7-0, but should go into that game boosted by an impressive opening day win, and knowing fully well that getting a result is one step closer to the U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Team Manager Jeff Cheng is likewise happy with the result.

"The players responded very well, despite of some challenges with players not feeling well, I think we can see that players played as a team and I hope the team can carry this forward in the succeeding games."

He acknowledges the preparation the team underwent before going into the tournament.

"We’ve done all we can in preparing this team, including bringing some players in this squad to the senior team."

"We went to MIMA Cup in Spain in February 2024, among other camps, which would have prepared them for the challenge of North Korea and South Korea team."

The young Filipinas’ second group stage match will be on May 9 at 4 p.m. Philippine time, where Nonong Araneta again asks for the support of everyone in the country.

"Moving forward we need the support of everyone for the team and the management of the team which has been done a good job so far," said Araneta.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News