Debutantes Capital1, Makati FC notch smashing wins
At A Glance
- Capital1 and Makati FC showed they have what it takes to challenge the traditional powerhouses of the 2025 PFF Women’s League after notching shutout victories over the weekend at Mall of Asia Football Pitch.
The league’s debutantes are slowly coming into their own.
Capital1 and Makati FC showed they have what it takes to challenge the traditional powerhouses of the 2025 PFF Women’s League after notching shutout victories over the weekend at Mall of Asia Football Pitch.
In a six-team league that features two collegiate squads looking to gain experience for their summer tournaments, it is but natural for fans to expect that heavyweight squads Kaya-Iloilo and Stallion Laguna will end up battling for the crown.
But a pair of solid victories by the newcomers could change the narrative.
Capital1 bounced back from its first-game defeat and crushed University of the Philippines, 5-0.
“After [our first loss], our coach made a lot of adjustments for this game,” said forward Lyka Teves, who scored the Solar Strikers’ fourth goal in the 65th minute. “I’m happy that we were able to do what our coach asked of us.”
“It is a pleasure playing for Capital1. I didn’t hesitate to join when they invited me,” Teves added. “I’m going to grow here in the club.”
Marienell Cristobal opened scoring for Capital 1 in the sixth minute and forward Judie Arevalo doubled the lead seven minutes before the halftime break. Arianna del Moral, a forward from the United States, scored in the 54th while compatriot Emma Young added another goal in the 82nd.
Makati FC did not let their youth be a hindrance in notching a second straight victory, hammering a 4-0 victory over University of Santo Tomas.
MFC, which is composed of standouts from four different countries and is trying to build chemistry along the way, used a strong second half to break free from the resolute UST squad.
“The first time I go inside to the field I feel a little bit nervous, but after that I enjoy the game and then I try, I do my best and I try to score and I score,” said the 13-year-old Nafeeza Nori of Indonesia, who scored two goals (57th, 77th) for MFC.
“I think this is my best team ever,” added Nori.
Ghaniana forward Veronica Appiah broke the ice for MFC in the 49th minute while Mikaela Villacin added another in extra time. MFC also fielded 12-year-old Ariana Gementiza, a regular anchor of the program’s age-group champion squad, who is the youngest player in the tournament. Gementiza contributed an assist to the win.