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Eva Madarang continued her scoring spree in the Women's Asian Cup qualifiers. (Photo by the Tajikistan Football Federation)
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By JP Abcede
MANILA--The Philippine women's football team continued its dominance on Group A of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup Asian qualifiers after downing Iraq, 4-0, at the Pamir Stadium in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, two days after defeating the United Arab Emirates with a similar scoreline.
Eva Madarang opened the floodgates with a goal at the 21st minute of the match, deftly receiving Hanna Parado's through ball towards the box before sending it to the back of the net. This is her third goal of the tournament.
Nevertheless, it was a five-minute scoring spurt to end the first half that defined the contest. The towering Hali Long started the onslaught, heading Patricia Tomanon's corner at the 44th minute to double the Malditas' lead.
Sara Castañeda then joined the scoring fray two minutes later as she collected the rebound after Madarang's attempt hit the left post. Finally, Tomanon was once again responsible for another assist, as her cross went straight to Alesa Dolino, whose looping header was mishandled by Iraqi keeper Khalat Mustafa.
The Philippines provisionally leads the group with six points. Coach Buda Bautista's wards would next see action on April 7 against host Tajikistan.
Follow him on Twitter: @jpabcede
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