THE Philippine women’s football team routed Cambodia, 5-0, on Monday night at the start of its campaign in the 31st Southeast Asian Games.
The Filipinas got off to an auspicious start at the Cam Pha Stadium in Quang Ninh, Vietnam in their bid to take home a medal as part of their build-up for the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup.
Head coach Alen Stajcic said the team is still groping for form after a grueling travel from its training base in Sydney to the tournament venue, which is a three hours away from Hanoi.
The Filipinas only had a 1-0 lead on a goal by Isabella Flanigan in the 27th minute, but poured it on in the second half with goals from Sarina Bolden in the 64th, Eva Madarang in the 68th, Quinley Quezada in the 76th, and Anicka Castaneda in the 80th.
“I thought for our first game, probably it wasn’t our best performance,” said Stajcic. “But considering that we had a long travel day the other day. More than 20 hours to get here. It’s tough. In this conditions, it’s very hot and humid. It’s not easy to get your legs.
"When we found our legs and found our energy, we were definitely more effective. A lot of room for improvement.”
The Philippines goes for a sweep of Group A with an important clash against host Vietnam on Wednesday.
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