By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippine women’s football team hopes to sustain its fiery start when it battles Australia U23 in the 2025 ASEAN MSIG Serenity Cup at the Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho, Vietnam Sunday, Aug. 10.
Coming off an inspiring 7-0 drubbing of Timor Leste, the reigning champions Filipinas (1-0) aim to reassert their dominance over the Australians (0-1) in their 8:30 p.m. duel.
Despite going into the event enjoying a big psychological advantage, skipper Hali Long doesn’t want the Nationals to be complacent, especially with Myanmar posing a challenge in Group B.
“We don’t take any team lightly, and we don’t know which way this group is gonna go, it’s the pretty good game before us, the two one (Myanmar vs Australia) with Myanmar coming on top,” said Long.
“Looking forward to that game and seeing what kind of results we can pull off with the next two teams,” she added.
So far, the Filipinas led the number of goals with seven – tied with Thailand which drubbed Indonesia in a similar fashion on the opening night – as well going brilliant on the defensive end.
Quinley Quezada and Dionesa Tolentin both scored twice, sparking the Nationals’ assault with the help of Aaliyah Schinama, Hali Long, and Adelaide Wyrzynski’s respective goals that completed the demolition of the Timorese.
Though it was an impressive play for the Philippines, each member must still bring their A-game in order bolster their championship defense bid despite missing the service of star Sarina Bolden, who is still recovering from an ACL injury.
The Philippines also expect a hungry Australia side after its loss to Myanmar. The Aussies are banking on Alicia Woods and Aideen Keane as they gun for their first win in the tournament
