Filipina booters blank Singapore, boost AFF semis bid

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine women's national football team solidified its bid for a semifinals spot in the AFF Women's Championship after beating Singapore, 4-0, on Friday.

Two goals in the first six minutes put the Filipina booters in complete control of the match from the get-go.

Alisha del Campo scored a hat trick for the Malditas, including a stunner in the opening minute that put the Filipinas in front shortly after kickoff.

Quinley Quezada doubled the Philippines' lead with a goal of her own in the sixth minute.

Del Campo scored again late in the first half while a costly mistake from the Singaporean goalkeeper gave her the hat trick in the opening minutes of the second canto.

The Singaporeans created a chance on goal at the 74th minute but failed to convert.

The Pinay booters finished the group stage with nine points, winning all but their game against host and defending champion Thailand.

They also posted three clean sheets in their four group games, only conceding goals to the Thais.

Four Malditas also earned their first international cap in the crucial game.

A loss or a draw by Malaysia against Thailand in their 6 p.m. enounter will seal the Philippines' entry into the semifinals.