The Philippine national women’s football team clobbered Palestine, 7-0, Tuesday evening in a bid to earn a slot in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at the Saoud bin Abdulrahman Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar.
But, with Chinese Taipei turning back Iran, 4-1, the Philippines missed a slot to the final round of the 2020 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Asian Qualifiers.
The Filipinas sped to a 3-0 lead in the first half, with Joyce Semacio converting from the penalty spot in the 17th minute.
Goals from Alisha del Camp and Eva Madarang in the 29th and 31st minutes then followed.
In the second half, the Philippines on their score from within a 10-minute span.
Madarang struck for the second time in the 60th minute before team captain Patrice Impelido also made her mark in 62nd minute.
Sara Castañeda added two more goals in the 66th and 70th minutes.
The Marnelli Dinzon-coached Philippines finished Group C in second place with two wins and one loss.
The Olympic qualifiers is the first of at least three tournaments that the Philippines will participate this year with the AFF Women’s Championship 2019 set this August and the 30th Southeast Asian Games this November.
“The team may not have advanced to the next round, but their performance on the field is a testament on how far Women’s football has improved in the country in recent years,” said Philippine Football Federation general secretary Edwin Gastanes.
Earlier, the Philippine national women’s team lost to Chinese Taipei, 2-4.