Granger’s brace helps PHL qualify for AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup

The talented Filipina booters wrapped up their AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers in style after taking down Bangladesh, 3-0, on Oct. 11, 2026, at the Do’stlik Stadium Training Pitch in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Fresh off a dominant 4-0 win over Uzbekistan in their opening match, the young booters picked up where they left off, scoring a second straight win to end the AFC qualifiers undefeated while earning a direct ticket to the main stage of the U17 Women’s Asian Cup Finals.

Noelle Granger remained the Filipinas’ steady scoring machine, firing a brace in the last 10 minutes of the match that prevented any comeback attempt from Bangladesh.

The University of Florida commit single-handedly outscored the Bangladeshis, scoring the exclamation point in the 90th minute, followed by the insurance conversion a minute later.

Before the second-half turnaround, the first 45 minutes of action were a highly competitive nip-and-tuck affair, with Bangladesh threatening to draw first blood several times despite the PHL’s massive goal-difference advantage.

However, the Filipinas didn’t relax and responded well by deploying additional defensive support on the left side every time Bangladesh fired long through balls in search of an early goal.

Aside from their high-octane attack, Bangladesh also held the PHL scoreless, banking on a disciplined defensive stand that included a couple of huge saves from goalkeeper Meghla Rani Roy.

Bangladesh continued to apply pressure, moving forward with its crisp attacks, but the Filipinas were able to pick up their tempo in the 73rd minute.

Breaking the scoreless deadlock for the PHL was Maya Bascara, who took advantage of Bangladesh’s poor clearance of Ariana Enderes’ cross.

Bangladesh entered an emergency period with only 20 minutes remaining as it desperately pushed the ball forward in hopes of scoring quickly, but Granger stepped up when the PHL needed her most, putting on a clutch performance to end the game with a brace.

After the undefeated qualifying campaign, the Filipinas will take some time off before preparing for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Finals set for March 31 to April 17, 2027.