The Philippines leaned on the goals scored by Louraine Evangelista and Liliana Dagpin on Wednesday night to hold off host Tajikistan, 2-0.
This put the Young Filipinas on top of Group A with their second straight win in the Asian Football Confederation U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026 Qualifiers at the Pamir Stadium in Dushanbe.
The young Filipinas took control of the match from the first whistle, scoring their opening goal in the 11th minute when Evangelista got Maeva Javier’s superb through pass.
After that, Tajikistan bungled a chance to score, off an indirect free-kick inside their box after goalkeeper Farahnoz Kholdorova mishandled a back pass.
But Ariana Enderes smashed the Tajik booter’s effort over the bar.
Later, Evangelista was presented with the chance for a second goal in the 40th minute.
But, Mehrnigor Mirzoeva stood in front of the attempts, and cleared the ball.
Tajikistan managed to stop the Young Filipinas from scoring in the 70th minute after Evangelista’s solo effort got deflected wide.
The Young Filipinas went on to claim a second goal with a stoppage time effort from Lilliana Dagpin.
Malaysia joined the Philippines in the lead following a 1-0 victory over Syria.
