The 2022 AFF Women's Championship took place at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium which featured Philippines Women's National Football team versus Team Australia. The opposing team consisted of youthful players that matched the energy of Team Philippines. Scoring the only and winning goal of the match was Sarina Bolden who put the Philippines up a goal in the hour-mark on the lock.
The winning goal, a header from an assist by Eva Madarang just surpassed the hands of Aussie goal-keeper, Jada Mathyssen-Whyman. Coach Alen Stajcic called the win an "amazing result" and describing the performance from the players, "first class."
The last time the ladies played at Rizal Memorial Stadium was in 2019 against Myanmar, suffering a bronze medal loss in the Southeast Asian Games. This win marks redemption from that loss and shows the progress the team has made since then. With a close call towards the end of the match with Australia almost equalizing the match in the 70th minute, the Filipinas held on to their lead with their defense.
The win was witnessed by over 1,400 fans and all celebrated alongside the team. It's been the first time a crowd was invited back to the stadium since the team qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and winning bronze in the 31st SEA Games.
Cover Photo Credit: Pilipinas WNFT Twitter
