In the opening round of the 2024 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup qualification against Guam on Saturday afternoon at the GFA National Training Centre, Nina Mathelus sparkled for the Philippine women’s Under-17 team, scoring all three goals in a 3-1 triumph.
The young Filipinas defeated the hosts and scored all three points thanks to Mathelus’ offense, putting them in a strong position to advance to the next round.
Women’s Asian Cup
When Ariana Markey discovered Mathelus inside the box in the 29th minute, the Philippines broke the dam. The youngster performed well to maintain possession of the ball and then turned and got past Guam’s custodian to give the visitors the lead.
With a shot from right inside the box, she doubled the lead for the Filipinas after just two minutes, giving them a 2-nil advantage.
- Nina Mathelus scored all three goals in a 3-1 triumph.
- Melia Kukahiko’s goal in the 71st minute gave the hosts a chance to get one back in the second half.
- In the first round, only the top team from each of the eight groups advances.
Melia Kukahiko’s goal in the 71st minute gave the hosts a chance to get one back in the second half. However, Mathelus immediately put an end to any enthusiasm when she reclaimed the two-goal lead just five minutes later by scoring an insurance goal.
“I’m very thrilled. After the game, Mathelus remarked, “[It was] my first international goal, a terrific way to kick off a career.
“The game was pretty good. We did a great job playing. The opposing squad put up a great fight, she continued.
When the young Filipinas play Lebanon on April 26, they’ll try to lock up a spot in the following round. In the first round, only the top team from each of the eight groups advances.
