Filipinas dominate host Cambodia in AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, inch closer to finals berth

The Philippine Women’s National Football Team, affectionately known as the Filipinas, showcased their formidable prowess on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, by routing host Cambodia with a resounding 6-0 victory in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers. 

This commanding performance at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh significantly bolsters their bid for a spot in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.

The Filipinas, fresh off a 3-0 win against Saudi Arabia, continued their perfect run in Group G, accumulating six points and a superior goal difference of +9. This places them firmly at the top of their group, needing only to avoid defeat against Hong Kong, China, in their final group stage match on Saturday, July 5, to secure their second successive appearance at the prestigious continental tournament.

The Philippine attack was relentless from the outset, with goals coming from multiple players. Alexa Pino opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a powerful volley. Just a minute later, Meryll Serrano doubled the lead, exhibiting her sharp instincts in front of goal. Serrano then completed her brace in the 36th minute with a remarkable long-range effort that caught the Cambodian goalkeeper off guard.

The Filipinas further extended their lead before halftime, benefiting from an unfortunate own goal by a Cambodian defender in the 40th minute, making it 4-0 at the break.

The second half saw no let-up from the visitors. Skipper Hali Long added to the tally in the 48th minute, sneaking in at the back post to tap home a free-kick. Chandler McDaniel then sealed the emphatic victory in the 56th minute, converting a well-placed cross.

Despite a late red card for Nina Mathelus in the 90th minute for a late challenge, the Filipinas maintained their composure and held on for a clean sheet, a testament to their solid defensive unit. Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, celebrating her 50th cap, had a relatively quiet evening, a reflection of the team’s dominance.

FINAL: Philippines 6, Cambodia 0

The Filipinas rack up their second win in Group G of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers. (: PFF-PWNFT) pic.twitter.com/5OqZbTIRRM

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) July 2, 2025

Meryll Serrano, who contributed to two goals in the opening match against Saudi Arabia, expressed her satisfaction with the team’s performance. “To be honest, we watched Hong Kong against Cambodia. 

I was actually quite nervous for this game, but when we got the first and second goal, I thought we were doing good,” she stated in a post-game interview. She also highlighted the team’s readiness for their crucial match against Hong Kong.

The Filipinas’ strong showing in these qualifiers underscores their continued growth and ambition in international women’s football, as they aim to build on their historic appearance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Football fans eagerly await their final group stage encounter, hopeful of witnessing the Filipinas secure their ticket to Australia 2026. 

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