Philippines defeated Vietnam 1-0 on Sunday to confirm their spot in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Indonesia 2024 Finals.
The result not only meant Philippines finished as the Qualifiers Round 2 Group B runners-up but also qualified for the Finals for the first time.
Australia finished top after four goals from Sienna Dale powered them 4-0 past Bangladesh earlier on Sunday.
Australia, Philippines, Group A winners Korea Republic and runners-up Thailand join the three highest-seeded sides from the AFC U-16 Women’s Championship Thailand 2019 – current holders Japan, DPR Korea and China PR – and hosts Indonesia in the April 7-20 Finals.
Vietnam 0-1 Philippines
Despite both having suffered defeats to Australia, Vietnam’s superior goal difference meant the hosts only needed a draw to advance.
Both sides cautiously but as the match progressed, there were opportunities at both ends but neither was able to put them away as the first half ended goalless.
A moment of brilliance from Isabella Preston in the 56th minute ultimately settled the tie.
Spotting Le Thi Thu slightly out of position as she lined up a free-kick from 25 metres out, the midfielder floated the ball over the Vietnam keeper and into the net to create history for the Philippines.
Australia 4-0 Bangladesh
Despite having already secured their place in the Finals on Matchday Two, Australia were in no mood to take it easy with forward Dale opening the scoring as early as the second minute.
Dale, who scored both goals in Australia’s 2-1 win over Vietnam on Matchday Two, netted the second in the 57th minute.
She completed her hat-trick four minutes later and added the fourth in the 74th minute to seal the emphatic win.
