MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines made easy work of Malaysia, 4-0, to get a firm grip of the solo lead in the 2022 AFF Women's Championship Friday night, July 8, here at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The Filipinas displayed superb passing and scored two goals in the first half behind the efforts of Sara Eggesvik and Katrina Guillou to put the national team ahead.
With momentum on their side, Quinley Quezada and Anicka Castaneda, who came off the bench anew, connived in the next half to pull away for good with less than twenty minutes to spare.
The Philippine women's national football team remained atop the standings with nine points in Group A as Thailand, now with seven points, trailed at second seed after a 3-0 rout of Singapore over at Binan Football Stadium in Laguna.
Earlier here, Australia also routed Indonesia, 4-0, to secure its No. 3 spot.
Sara Eggesvik provided the early spark for the Filipinas and fired a long strike at the 32nd mark, which was actually deflected by Malaysian goalkeeper Nuzul Azurin Mazlan but the ball eventually crossed the line.
Two minutes before half time, Katrina Guillou found the back of the net at the 43rd minute off a rebound from the earlier attempt of Tahnai Annis.
Eva Madarang paved the way for that play but Annis' strike was caught by Mazlan.
The Philippines stepped on the gas as soon as the second half kicked off with a Quinley Quezada header at the 48th mark off a long dish from Eggesvik.
The Filipinas, still wanting for more, once again utilized Castaneda as she scored a header off another Eggesvik assist at the 72nd minute for their fourth and last goal.
Cam Rodriguez had a clean shot in the extra three minutes to give the Philippines its fifth score but her attempt just went too high over the post.
The Filipina booters will next face Indonesia at the same time and venue on Sunday, July 10.