Alexa Pino shines as Filipinas beat Saudi Arabia to open AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign

The Philippine women’s national football team Filipinas launched its second FIFA World Cup bid in dominant style at the expense of the newly-formed Saudi Arabian squad, 3-0, in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers on Sunday at the National Sports Complex of Cambodia in Phnom Penh. 

Debuting for the seniors squad this time in a major tournament, Alexa Pino wasted no time and secured her maiden goal for the Filipinas as they grabbed the early lead in Group G, also against host nation Cambodia and Hong Kong, with their first three points. Only group winners will reach the tournament proper next year in Australia.

Despite missing the attacking duo of Sarina Bolden and Katrina Guillou due to injuries, there was no shortage of valuable help from Mark Torcaso’s call-up.

Jackie Sawicki secured her first goal for the Philippines 35 appearances later as she opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a drilled finish past three Saudi Arabian defenders and keeper Mona Alowais for the 1-0 advantage.

The Nationals headed to the second half in high spirits, and it was 2-0 soon after as Meryll Serrano followed up her assist to Sawicki with a goal of her own in the 55th minute after darting through the scramble inside the box.

The Philippines kept pressing the tournament newcomers and held most of the possession that allowed for more shots on target, which further revealed Saudi Arabia's deficit in experience since playing its first international match in 2022. 

Finally, Pino, who similarly played in the U17 Asian Cup last year, scored her maiden goal for the Filipinas with a left-footed shot straight to the top corner after a cross from Carleigh Frilles created the chance.

Pino initially debuted for the seniors squad in 2024 during a pair of FIFA friendlies against South Korea. Only this time, the young midfielder is looking to make the opportunity even more worthwhile.

The Filipinas are set to resume action on July 2 against Cambodia before taking on a familiar foe in Hong Kong three days later.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News