(CNN Philippines) — The Philippines Women’s National Team has earned the right to play amongst Asia’s best.
The Philippine lady booters booked their spot in the 2018 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Women’s Cup after 1-1 draw against Bahrain in the qualifiers on Monday evening at the Central Republican Stadium in Tajikistan.
The result gifted the Philippines the sole ticket from Group A to the final phase of the competition in Jordan with one game in hand.
Both defenses remained resolute in the first half, with neither side able to pose a real threat.
Bahrain was the to get on the board after Noora Sami Al-Dossary chipped Filipina keeper Inna Palacios in the 56th minute to hand the Philippines their first concession of the tournament, 1-0.
The Philippines almost leveled things just five minutes later, but Eva Madarang was found to be in an offside position prior to turning the ball into the net.
The Filipinas amped up the pressure in search for a goal that would secure their passage to Jordan, but were turned back repeatedly.
It would take wave after wave of attacks for the Philippines to break down the Bahrain defense, but the breakthrough would finally come in the latter stage of the match.
Madarang got the chance to play a key part in the late equalizer, after heading the ball into the path of Anicka Castaneda, who hit a volley past the Bahrain keeper in the 82nd minute, 1-1.
The Philippines almost got a go-ahead goal directly from a corner kick courtesy of Patricia Tomanon in injury time, but was cleared off the line by the Bahrain defense.
There were no more goals to be had, as both nations settled for the stalemate.
The draw was enough for the Philippines to ensure their return to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup final stage for the first time since 2003.
In an interview with the AFC website, Philippine coach Buda Bautista said that it was if her team was playing for a trophy.
“It was a crazy match. It was like playing for the title,” Bautista said. “We wanted this more so we were able to bounce back.”
The Filipinas will play Jordan in their final match of the qualifiers.
