AFF WOMEN’S: Philippines Aim For Place In Final

MANILA (7 Sept 2012) – With 30 games under their belt, the Philippines are aiming for a place in the final of the AFF Women’s Championship in Ho Chi Minh City next week.

The AFF Women’s Championship is slated for 13-22 September 2012 at the Thong Nhat Stadium.

“We want to make it to the finals,” said Ernie Nierras, the chief coach of the Philippines women’s team. “If we don’t make it to the finals, we will be disappointed.”

The Philippines will be led by captain Marielle Benitez as well as several Fil-Americans Heather Cooke, Ashley O’Connor, Abby Komarc, Angeline and Patrice Impelido, Fil-Australian Nenita Burgess and Fil-Canadian Mallory Dayot.

“The team that I have now, this is the strongest I’ve ever seen in the women’s national team,” Nierras added.

“We’ve been training for eight months. Unlike last year, we are able to address all the needs this time. This is the only time that we played 30 games to prepare (for the tournament).”

The Philippines are in Group A of the championship against hosts Vietnam, last year’s finalist Myanmar and Singapore.

Group B are defending champions Thailand, Laos and Malaysia.

AFF WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP 2012

GROUP A: Vietnam, Myanmar, Singapore, Philippines

GROUP B: Thailand, Laos, Malaysia