The Philippine women’s football team kicked off its campaign for a return to the FIFA Women’s World Cup with a convincing 3-0 win over Saudi Arabia at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Sunday.
Midfielder Jaclyn Sawicki opened the scoring in the 16th minute, capitalizing on a crucial turnover forced by Meryll Serrano deep in Saudi territory. The Filipinas maintained control throughout the match, piling on pressure and eventually finding the back of the net twice more in the second half.
Serrano added to the lead in the 55th minute, slipping past the Saudi defense after Chandler McDaniel’s assist set her up in the box. Alexa Pino sealed the victory in the 81st minute with a composed left-footed finish following a failed clearance by Saudi Arabia.
The win earned the Philippines its first three points in Group G as it eyes a spot in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup — a tournament that serves as a gateway to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Only the group winners will advance to the continental showpiece.
The Saudis, newcomers to competitive women’s football after launching their national program in 2021, struggled in their debut appearance in a major tournament. Prior to this match, they had only competed in friendlies.
Up next for the Filipinas is host nation Cambodia, who faced Hong Kong in Sunday’s other group fixture.
