10-woman Filipinas score breakthrough win over Laos in U20 Asia Cup qualifiers

MANILA, Philippines — Despite playing with only 10 players for 80 minutes, the Filipinas U20 team was able to overcome host country Laos, 1-0, in the 2024 AFC U20 Women's Asia Cup Qualifiers on Friday.

Goalkeeper Kaiya Jota was sent off just 10 minutes into play and forced Alexis Tan to place herself in between the sticks to protect the Philippines' goal.

Despite the disadvantage, it was the visitors who broke through first when Filipinas defender Kylie Yap scored on a header off of a set piece from Sabine Ramos at the 42-minute mark.

That became the game's lone goal as the young Filipinas were able to fend off any chances from Laos even as they were down a player.

Apart from the win being a breakthrough in the tournament itself, and a bounce-back victory after a tough loss against China, it also marked the first time the Philippines won in this competition since 2012.

With China already with six points at the top of the standings with two wins, the Filipinas' hopes of moving on to the next stage of the competition remain dim with China set to face off with Laos next.

Still, the Filipinas will attempt to end their tiff on a high when they face Hong Kong Sunday, March 12.