Malditas draws Indonesia in AFF Women’s tourney

The Philippine Malditas settled for a 3-3 draw with host Indonesia in its final Group B match of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Cup last Sunday night in the Gelora Sriwijaya Stadium in Palembang.

The Philippines was ahead early in the first half with two quick goals by Kyla Inquig, in the eighth minute, and Joyce Semancio, in the 13th.

The Indonesians came alive after the break as Zarah Muzdalifah headed in a free kick by Yudith Sada.

Mayang Mayang equalized with a free kick just outside the box in the 63rd minute.

The Indonesians took a 3-2 lead in the 82nd minute after Syenida Merifandina hit the back of the net with a pass by Mayang.

It looked as if Indonesia was on its way to a victory but Quinley Quezada hit the timely equalizer with a header in five minutes of added time to force a draw.

The Malditas were eliminated from the tournament after ending up with four points from a win, two losses and a draw. Vietnam and Myanmar are the teams that advanced into the semifinal round.

Meanwhile, the Philippines dropped its final match of the AFF Under-19 Championship after a 7-2 beating in the hands of Laos.

Laos was up early after a fourth-minute goal by Phouthasone Vongkosy in the fourth minute. The Philippines equalized through Fidel Tacardon in the 16th minute.

Bounphachan Bounkong went wild and scored four straight goals, two before half-time and two in a span of just seven minutes after the break. He hit the back of the net in the 35th, 39th, 47th and 54th minutes for a 5-1 lead by Laos. Tacardon answered after scoring his brace in the 78th minute but Laos scored two more goals by Nilan in the 79th and 85th minutes. /