Camille Wilson is glad to be able to play for the Philippine Malditas national women’s football team again.
Back after a five-year absence, the 25-year-old Wilson said it has been quite a journey as she was able to return to the national squad this year.
The 5’4” Wilson, who plays as a midfield, had been bothered by a hamstring injury when she went through a training camp last month.
But physical therapy and good rehabilitation during the camp and tryouts held at the Orange County, California in the United States, allowed her to get back in shape.
“Unfortunately, I had a hamstring injury during the closed camp. So I had to quickly regain my playing fitness as well as game fitness. And it was a tough journey for me,” said Wilson, whose parents migrated to US.
Wilson scored the winning goal during the 92nd minute after receiving a pass from teammate Camille Rodriguez.
Her winning goal carried the Malditas past Nepal, 2-1, in their opening game as the Philippines moved closer to qualifying in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 last Saturday in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The Philippines next clashes with Hong Kong on Friday, with another win allowing the Malditas to earn a seat to the tournament proper next year.
A total of 12 teams will qualify to play in the final tournament in India.
Wilson first tried out for the Philippine team when she was still in college at the University of San Francisco back in 2012.
She saw action in the AFF women’s championships back in 2013 and 2016.