Fearless Filipinas U-17 take commanding step toward Asian Cup dream after blanking Tajikistan

The next generation of Filipina footballers is carving its own legacy on the continental stage. The Philippine Girls Under-17 National Team continued its impressive run in the 2026 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers, defeating host nation Tajikistan, 2-0, Wednesday night at the Pamir Stadium in Dushanbe to move within touching distance of a historic Asian Cup berth.

It wasn’t just a win — it was a show of maturity and resolve from a youthful squad that has shown no fear on foreign soil.

 With this result, the Filipinas U-17 remain perched atop Group A with a perfect six points and a commanding +7 goal difference after back-to-back victories.

Malaysia, which edged Syria 1-0 earlier in the day, trails the Philippines only on goal difference (+3), setting up a thrilling final-day showdown between the two unbeaten sides. 

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#FilipinasU17 🇵🇭 getting it done again!#LabanFilipinasU17 #TJKvPHI pic.twitter.com/oSZU0Wxp8j

— Philippine Youth NT 🇵🇭 (@pilipinasynt) October 15, 2025

 A draw on Friday (5:00 PM Manila time) would be enough for the Philippines to formally punch its ticket to next year’s Asian Cup in China — a feat that would mark another milestone for the country’s fast-rising women’s football program.

The tone was set early against Tajikistan when Louraine Evangelista fired a stunning left-footed strike from outside the box just 11 minutes into the match. The Tuloy FC standout, who also scored in the 5-0 rout of Syria last Monday, has emerged as the team’s breakout star and attacking heartbeat.

But even as the hosts pressed late in search of an equalizer, the Filipinas held firm — and they were rewarded deep into stoppage time. Substitute Juliana Dagpin delivered the dagger goal in the 90+5th minute, calmly slotting home after an unselfish setup by Kaida Mizzo, sealing another clean sheet and another confident statement from the Philippine side.

The result not only cements the Filipinas’ status as group leaders but also underscores the growing depth of talent in Philippine women’s football — a promising sign as the nation continues to make waves from the senior team down to its grassroots ranks.

Now, all eyes turn to Friday’s showdown — where one more composed performance could officially send the Filipinas U-17 soaring into the continent’s elite.

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