Phl faces Myanmar in AFC opener

MANILA, Philippines - Host Philippines launches its bid for a spot in the 2013 AFC U-16 Women’s Championship as it tackles Myanmar tonight in Group C qualifiers at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

“We sacrificed our holidays to prepare for this competition,” said head trainor Robert Manlulo, referring to his wards’ intensive two-week training camp in Bacolod City.

The Filipinas are undaunted by powerhouse rivals in the so-called “Group of Death,” beginning with opening day rival Myanmar at 6 tonight.

“It will be a fight for sure,” said Manlulo.  

After Myanmar, the Phl will tackle Thailand on Friday, and Australia on Sunday, hoping to pile up points in the round-robin league format qualifiers, where tickets to next year’s Asian U-16 final round await the top two teams.

Rizal Football Association’s MVP Marty Bautista, a sophomore striker from Miriam College High School, forward Shannon Arthur from Colegio de San Agustin, and midfielder Kyla Inquig from Dumaguete will spearhead the offense for the U-16 Lady booters while Fil-Canadian Stephanie Ang-Cogswell will tend the goal.

Meanwhile, Australia and Thailand open hostilities in the four-nation qualifiers at 3 p.m.