Pune, Jan 31 (Agency) Philippines advanced to their first ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 semifinals, defeating Chinese Taipei 4-3 on penalties after their quarterfinal match ended 1-1 in extra time on Sunday. On a historic night which saw goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel make two saves and score one in the shootout, Philippines also booked a berth in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 for the first time. Philippines will play Korea in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 semifinals on February 3.
Chinese Taipei’s FIFA Women’s World Cup hopes, meanwhile, depend on them successfully navigating the three-team playoffs, with the top side at the end of the round robin competition to advance to the finals and the remaining two to feature in the Inter-Confederation playoffs. Chinese Taipei and Philippines, who finished runners-up in Groups A and B respectively, got off to a cagey start at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex with most of the action taking place in midfield in the opening minutes. Philippines, who reverted to their match day one line-up, had the first sight on goal in the ninth minute when Sarina Bolden moved onto Sofia Harrison’s through ball, but the forward could only rattle the side netting under heavy Chinese Taipei pressure.
The three-time winners Chinese Taipei were swift with their passes and in one such instance in the 19th minute, Su Yu-Hsuan tested McDaniel before Chen Yen-Ping forced another save out of the goalkeeper in the 23rd minute. Philippines’ best chance of the first half came in the 37th minute when Bolden curled a cross into the area, but the surging Quinley Quezeda was unable to get her strike on target. Philippines continued their heavy pressing in the second half and finally cracked the Chinese Taipei defence in the 48th minute when Quezada redirected Katrina Guillou’s header past goalkeeper Cheng Ssu-Yu from close range.
Chinese Taipei immediately switched into a more attacking mode with Chen and Su Sin-Yun leading the charge, but opportunities were far and few in between as Philippines controlled the pace of the game. Chinese Taipei remained persistent, however, with captain Wang Hsiang-Huei taking a crack on goal following Ting Chi’s cut back into the edge of the box, missing by mere inches.
Their determination was finally rewarded in the 82nd minute when Zhuo Li-Ping stunningly found the top right corner of the net from some 25 yards out for the equaliser to force the match into extra time. Both teams were visibly tired in extra time, with Chinese Taipei substitute Lin Hsin-Hui coming the closest in the 112th minute but neither side was able to break the deadlock with McDaniel’s heroics eventually seeing Philippines prevailing on penalties.