Phl bows to Myanmar in AFC Women's U16 qualifiers opener

MANILA, Philippines – Philippines opened its campaign in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)U16 Qualifiers on the wrong foot after falling to Myanmar  1-2 Wednesday night at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Myanmar adjusted well after a nil-nil deadlock at the half and proved to be successful as the visitors twice pierced through the Philippines’ defense.  From a 4-4-1 formation, Myanmar shifted to 4-4-2 and instantly worked wonders.

Myanmar midfielder Wai zin Hnin scored from close range five minutes into the second half to put her team up in the scoreboard. Nine minutes later, Myanmar doubled its lead when substitute Phyu Hnin Thwe, who came in only after the break, took advantage of an error by Phl’s Fil-Canadian goalie Stephanie Cogswell.

The host, however, did not fall down easily as Phl skipper Shannon Arthur scored on a free kick to slice the lead, 2-1, in the 82^nd minute.

Earlier, top-ranked Australia blasted Thailand, 5-1, to take the provisional lead in the four-nation tournament that offers the top two teams a ticket to the championship round where three slots to the U17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica are at stake.

Tia Gavin completed a brace as the Aussies dominated the Thais after a 1-1 deadlock in the first 19 minutes of play.

Australia is on top of the tournament on goal difference ahead of Myanmar while the Philippines and Thailand are in the bottom two.

The host country now faces a tall order, needing to win its next two matches against Thailand (Friday) and Australia (Sunday) to qualify to the championship round.