The Philippine women’s under-17 football team is out of the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup on Sunday, after a 1-1 draw with South Korea.
Ariana Markey scored off a corner kick in the 38th minute to put the Philippines ahead at the Bali United Training Center, but the team was left stunned by Beom Ye-Ju’s equalizer in the 74th.
The teams finished with four points in Group A, but South Korea advanced due to a superior goal difference [+5]. North Korea topped the group with nine points from three matches.
Only the top two teams will advance to the knockout semifinals. The top three teams at the end of the tournament will earn slots to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Beom’s goal was a heartbreaker for the young Filipinas, as South Korea’s Casey Phair had brought down her defender only moments prior. There was no foul called on the play, and Beom pounced on the opportunity to power the ball past goal-keeper Gabrielle Barker.
South Korea would hold on for the draw, which was enough for them to progress to the next round where they will play either Japan or China.
The Philippines was making its first appearance in the continental age group tournament. They crushed hosts Indonesia, 6-1, in their first match before bowing to North Korea, 0-6, in their second game.
Calling the shots for the Philippines in the tournament is Australian coach Sinisa Cohadzic. They prepared for the competition with a camp in Spain as well as friendlies against local clubs Manila Diggers FC and Kaya FC.
