Filipinas break through in AFC Women’s Asian Cup, remain in hunt for knockout berth

The Philippine women's national football team, also known as the Filipinas, defeated Iran, 2-0, to break through in the AFC Women's Asian Cup on Sunday in Australia.

With the victory, the Philippines stayed in contention for a spot in the knockout stage, finishing third in Group A with a 1-0-2 record behind South Korea and host Australia.

The Filipinas, however, must wait for the results of the other groups to determine their standing among the third-placed teams. Only the two best third-place finishers from the tournament’s three groups will advance to the knockout stage.

Sara Eggesvik put the Philippines on the board in the 29th minute with a goal that was almost disallowed but ultimately stood after review, giving the Filipinas a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

Chandler McDaniel then doubled the advantage in the 82nd minute as the Philippines held off Iran to secure the victory, despite another goal being disallowed late in the match following a review.

In the other groups, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan will face off Monday to determine the third-placed team in Group B. In Group C, Vietnam holds a 1-0-1 record and a superior goal difference over India ahead of its match against Japan on Tuesday.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News