MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Women’s National Football team avenged their previous loss to Jordan by defeating the hosts, 2-1, on Saturday, April 7, at the Amman International Stadium in Jordan. 

Bolden’s go-ahead goal came in the 76th minute where she beat two defenders to fire a shot that completed the victory for the Philippines. 

The Philippines stands at 1-0-0 with 3 points in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. 

In their last matchup during the qualifiers last April 2017, the host country dominated the nationals, 5-1, in Group A of the qualifiers. 

Maysa Jbarah opened the scoreline in the 15th minute from the edge of the box as Kearra Bastes-Jones’ reach fell short in her effort to deflect the ball. 

Jbarah was close to doubling the lead during the one minute added time of the first half with her last ditch effort that sailed just wide before the whistle was blown at the end of the first. 

The Philippines’ superb defending held down Jordan throughout the first half. Bolden led the offense of the Philippines but failed to convert her attempts in the first half. 

In the 51st minute, Bolden and Yasmeen Khair clashed for Maria Park’s free kick and it was the latter who fumbled with her header for an own goal.* This leveled the game at 1-1. 

The nationals suffered a scare in the 71st minute as Luna Almasri dribbled past Bastes-Jones that created enough space to fire a shot and find the back of the net. In the succeeding minute, however, the goal was disallowed as it was called for offside. 

The Philippines will face China on Monday, April 9, 4:45 pm (9:45 pm, Manila time). – Rappler.com

*Editor’s Note:  The originial version of the article said that it was Sarina Bolden who scored Philippines’ first goal. However, the match report officially credited it as an own goal by Yasmeen Khair.