Philippines yields to Korea Republic in AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup opener

The Philippines under-17 women’s national squad endured a tough start to their campaign in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup, falling 0–5 to the Korea Republic in their Group C opener at the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre in Suzhou, China, May 2.

Korea Republic’s Baek Seoyeong proved too much to handle for the young Filipinas, ushering a four-goal performance that kept the Philippines on the back foot down the stretch.

The young Filipinas were forced to chase the game early, as Korea Republic struck in the sixth minute.

Seoyeong then slotted two more goals in the 13th and 33rd minutes to complete a first-half hat-trick, putting the Philippines under immediate pressure.

Unable to gain the upper hand, the Philippines continued to struggle in the second half as Seoyeong orchestrated a powerful kick for a fourth goal in the 54th minute, while Kim Heena sealed the deal to net a fifth in the 66th. 

Meanwhile, the Philippines failed to mount any real attacking threat against the disciplined Koreans as they were outplayed on both sides of the field.

The tournament also serves as Asia’s qualifier for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Despite the heavy defeat that ramps up the pressure in Group C, the Filipinas now eye a bounce-back against defending champion DPR Korea on May 5.