Annis, Wilson deliver as Malditas trip Nepal XI
By John Bryan Ulanday - The Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Malditas pulled off a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over Nepal to open its AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign with flying colors at the Jar Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Tahnai Annis and Camille Wilson converted the late, crucial goals two minutes apart during regulation and added time to carry the Nationals to victory after being blanked for the most part of the match.
Annis scored the equalizer in the 90th minute off a Chandler McDaniel’s assist before Wilson caught a Camille Rodriguez’ cross from the left field for the go-ahead in the 92nd minute.
The Filipina booters were scoreless for over 80 minutes and on the brink of defeat after Bimala Chadhaury’s goal for Nepal in the ninth minute.
The Malditas, mentored by Marlon Maro, return to the field against Hong Kong on Friday to complete its Group F schedule with a potential win assuring them a ticket to the Asian Cup set in January in India.
Only host India, reigning champion Japan, Australia and China so far have qualified to the Asian Cup with eight more seats up for grabs. The top five teams in the Asian Cup will advance to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Philippines finished sixth in the 2018 edition held in Amman, Jordan.
Palacios, del Campo banner Filipina booters in Women's Asian Cup qualifiers
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine women's team mainstays Inna Palacios and Calauag, Quezon pride Alisha Mendoza-del Campo will lead the squad in the upcoming 2022 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers beginning Saturday in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Palacios will skipper the team in their first taste of action since the 2019 Southeast Asian Games held in Manila.
The Philippines is grouped with Nepal and Hong Kong in the qualifiers in Group F.
Nepal and Hong Kong, 101st and 78th in the FIFA World Rankings, respectively, are placed lower than the Philippines, which is at No. 68.
Joining Palacios and del Campo are co-captain Hali Long, Chelo Hodges, Tara Shelton, Patricia Tomanon, Sara Castaneda, Charisa Lemoran and Camille Rodriguez, who have all seen action in the 2019 SEA Games.
Returnees Jessica Miclat, Camille Wilson, Rocelle Mendano, Anicka Castaneda, Tahnai Annis, Sofia Harrison and Ryley Bugay will also join the team in Uzbekistan.
Rounding up the 22-woman squad are first-timers Olivia Davies McDaniel, Malea Cesar, Alyssa Ube, Chandler McDaniel, and youth team products Arianna Lepage and Isabelle Mapanao.
The roster was announced on Monday.
The Filipina booters will enter the tournament with a new head coach in Marlon Maro.
Let Dimzon called the shots for the national team in 2019.
The Philippines will begin its campaign at 6 p.m. Saturday (Manila time) against Nepal at the JAR Stadium.
They play again on September 24 against Hong Kong, also at 6 p.m. Manila time.
The team is fresh from a month-long training camp in California in preparation for the tournament.