Filipinas U-17 blank Syria, Tajikistan to near Asian Cup berth

After posting back-to-back Group A wins over Syria and Tajikistan, the Philippine Under-17 Women’s National Football Team (PWNFT) moved within reach of a berth in the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup at Pamir Stadium in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Oct. 16.

The young Filipinas opened their campaign with a commanding 5-0 victory over Syria on Monday before blanking host nation Tajikistan, 2-0, on Wednesday. The results kept the Philippines at the top of Group A with six points and a +7 goal difference, ahead of Malaysia, which trails closely with an identical six points but only a +3 differential.

With only the group winners advancing to the 2026 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup in China, the Philippines now needs just a draw in their final match against Malaysia on Friday to officially secure their slot in the continental tournament.

Ariana Enderes spearheaded the Filipinas’ dominant opening win over Syria, netting twice in the first half. 

The midfielder struck first in the fourth minute off a setup from Chiara Mizzo and doubled the advantage with a curling effort just before halftime.

The Philippines continued to press in the second half, with Kaida Mizzo and Louraine Evangelista scoring back-to-back goals in the 50th and 52nd minutes. 

Substitute Sofhia Muros then sealed the rout with a close-range finish in the 72nd minute, capping the Filipinas’ five-goal performance.

Carrying that momentum into their second match, the Filipinas displayed composure against a physical Tajikistan side. Evangelista again proved instrumental, opening the scoring in the 11th minute with a left-footed strike from distance.

As the hosts pushed for an equalizer late in the match, Juliana Dagpin put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time (90+5’) after connecting with a pass from Mizzo, securing the 2-0 victory.

With two convincing wins in as many matches, the Filipinas U-17 squad sits firmly in control of their group and on the verge of making history with a return to the Asian Cup stage.

Kickoff against Malaysia is set for 5 PM (Philippine time) on Friday, still at the Pamir Stadium.