Malditas make history as they barge into semis of AFC Asian Women’s Cup, qualify for FIFA Women’s World Cup

The Philippine Women’s National Football Team celebrates after defeating Chinese-Taipei in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup quarterfinals on Sunday. | Photo from PFF

CEBU CITY, Philippines — For the first time in Philippine football history, the Philippine Women’s National Football Team (PWNFT) Malditas marches to the semifinals of the AFC Asian Women’s Cup 2022 and qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 after escaping Chinese Taipei, 1-1 (4-3), via penalty shootout on Sunday evening at the  Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, India.

Sarina Bolden scored the winning penalty that sent the Malditas to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 to be hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

However, Olivia McDaniel also had her heroic moment after denying Zhuo Li-Ping’s attempt during the shootout. 

Quinley Quezada handed over the Malditas’ first goal at the 49th minute. Quezada perfectly lobbed the ball behind the net from Katrina Guillou’s header as they scrambled for ball possession inside the penalty box.

However, after many tries, Li-Ping retaliated with an 82nd minute goal that tied the match and sent to two 15 minute extensions.

Both sides failed to convert goals in the extension that resulted to the penalty shootout. 

During the thrilling penalty shootout, Sara Castañeda and Ting Chi both converted their attempts,1-1. 

Tahnai Annis and Wang Hsiang-huei also converted their attempts during the shootout to tie the scores at, 2-2.

The Malditas had a scare when Jessica Miclat’s attempt was saved by Cheng Ssu-yu while the latter’s teammate Ying-Hui Chen succeeded in her attempt that put Chinese Taipei on top, 3-2.

As the shootout progressed, Hali Long and Yi-Yun Hsu’s attempts didn’t go in. 

However, Olivia McDaniel gave the Malditas a brimming hope when she tied the penalty scores at, 3-3, after succeeding during her turn. 

Oliver McDaniel then denied Chinese-Taipei’s last two attempts from Sin-Yu Su and Li-Ping while Bolden nailed the winning penalty. 

“It’s an unbelievable achievement of the team,” said head coach Alen Stajcic after the match. 

“The group is really proud of each other, but we are more proud that we can inspire the next generation of players.”

The Malditas will try to upset Korea Republic on Thursday at the same venue. The Koreans beat Australia, 1-0, in the other quarterfinal match. 

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