Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Dushanbe: Group A of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Jordan 2018 qualifiers looks set for a rousing finish on Wednesday when leaders Jordan and second-placed Philippines meet each other to decide who will take top spot.
Jordan are currently two points head of their opponents from Southeast Asia and have a fifth successive win in their sights, while the Maltidas, with three victories and a draw to their name, approach the game knowing that they have already secured their ticket to next year’s continental gathering thanks to Jordan’s automatic qualification as hosts of the 2018 finals.
Eager for his side to send out a strong message to the other teams destined to compete for silverware in Jordan, head coach Maher Abu Hantash is full of confidence going into the last match.
“During the past five years, we have played against teams from East Asia as well, like Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Chinese Taipei. These teams are stronger than the Philippines and they play faster,” he said.
“We have seen the Philippines, their system and how they play. It will be easier for us to prepare against them than some of the other opponents in our group because the Philippines are structured.”
After seeing her Philippines side secure their qualification thanks to a draw with Bahrain on Monday, head coach Letecia Bautista now wants to complete the nation’s already successful campaign on a high.
“We will end on a positive note,” she promised.
Elsewhere, the United Arab Emirates, will be aiming to secure another three-point haul against Tajikistan following their first win of the tournament against Iraq on Matchday Four, while Bahrain’s encounter with the rock-bottom Iraqis is the day’s other game.
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