The Philippine women’s national football team (PWNT) defeated Iran 1-0 in the AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament on All Saints’ Day to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics alive.
Tahnai Annis scored the lone goal for the Filipinas in the 19th minute, which was enough to secure all three points at Perth Rectangular Stadium in Australia.
The win puts the Philippines second in Group A behind unbeaten hosts Australia, with six points from two wins and one loss. The Filipinas are now in the running for the lone ticket to the final round of the Qualifiers to be awarded to the “best runner-up” across the three groups.
To qualify for Round 3, the Philippines need a draw between China and Korea in Group B and a draw or loss by Uzbekistan to India in Group C.
The Filipinas took the game to Iran from the start. They broke the deadlock in the 19th minute through Annis, who blasted home after Sofia Harrison’s shot was blocked by Iranian goalkeeper Zahra Khajavi.
Khajavi made several good saves to keep Iran in the game, but the Filipinas held on for a crucial victory.
Philippine goalkeeper Liv McDaniel also had a busy day and was fortunate in the 50th minute when Zhara Ghanbari’s shot hit the crossbar.
Despite not being in full control of their destiny, the Filipinas have taken care of their business so far in the qualifiers. They will now hope for some favorable results from elsewhere in order to book their place in the final round.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 2, 2023
