THE Philippine U-17 Women's National Team, through sheer will and determination, secured its spot in the Asia Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup after a dominant 4-0 victory over Malaysia last Oct.17. This marks the second time the Philippines has qualified for the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup. 

A student from San Beda College Alabang, Sofhia Muros, is also part of the Philippine U-17 Women’s National Team. She played a significant role in the team’s success, proudly representing Bedan pride on the national stage.

The AFC is the main governing body for football in Asia and one of the six continental confederations that comprise FIFA. The Philippines has its own notable moments in the AFC, such as the Younghusband Era, 

The debut of the Philippine men's football team in the AFC Asian Cup in 2019 is one of the significant recent milestones in the country's football history, although the team fell short, the Azkals delivered a respectable performance against South Korea, narrowly losing 1-0, but eventually failing to deliver a win over Tajikistan, falling 2-1, some may consider it as a disappointment, but their participation marked as a milestone forward for Philippine football on Asia’s biggest stage.

Another recent achievement of Philippine football is the qualification of the Philippine men’s U-23 national team in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers. The team secured its first-ever winning record in the competition with an impressive 4–0 victory over Nepal, the biggest blow out win ever by a Philippine team against Nepal, surpassing the previous record set by the senior men’s national team in 2011.

but the Filipinas became the country's success story. In 2022, the Women's team advanced to the AFC Women's Asian Cup and performed well enough to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2023.   

A Chance to Redeem 

The Philippines U-17 Women's National Team made its historic AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup debut on May 6, 2024. They opened the tournament with a strong win over Indonesia but later suffered a heavy defeat to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea U-17 Women's National Team, failing to score. 

Their final match last May 12, 2024, against South Korea U-17 ended in a draw, which was not enough to send the Philippines to the knockout stage. Now, the Filipinas have the chance to redeem themselves in the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup.

The Journey built on grit and hunger

Last Oct.13, the Filipinas controlled the match from start to finish against Syria. Syria struggled to keep up as the second half conceded in the 50th minute of the game, as Kaida Mizzo scored over Syria's keeper, Louraine Evangelista. Sofhia Muros eventually sealed the game with her own goal in the 72nd minute of the match. 

Their second qualifier was against host nation Tajikistan. Entering the match undefeated, the Filipinas maintained their momentum with Evangelista scoring her second goal of the tournament. The team displayed aggressive-offensive play and tight defensive strategies to hold off Tajikistan,. Jiliana Dagpin later sealed the victory with a decisive goal.

With qualification within reach, the Filipinas did not hold back, taking the lead immediately with a goal from Dagpin. Malaysia tightened its defense and prevented Chiara Mizzo from scoring after the Filipina midfielder had controlled the ball  way into the box. But in the 23rd minute, Mizzo scored a left-foot curler, and the U-17 Malaysia team couldn't do anything to stop it.

The Philippines continued its scoring run in the second half. Evangelista scored that hit the post in the 53rd minute, Pradhyum Reddy added a third goal in the 59th minute, and a final dagger shot from Nur Dania sealed the win, sending the Filipinas through the qualification rounds.

Preparing for greatness with a goal to make history 

The Filipinas are hungry for redemption as they prepare for the 2026 AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup, which will be held in China from April 30 to May 30, 2026. 

In an interview with THE BEDAN HERALD, SBCA football player Sofhia Muros, Striker of the U-17 Women’s National Team, shared her insights on the team’s preparation for the upcoming tournament.

Muros emphasized preparing both for the mental and physical aspects. This involves maintaining a consistent routine to improve strength, endurance, and overall conditioning of the body. Additionally, she stressed the importance of diligently following the coaches' programs and working on the mind to allow for efficient focus, control, and composure in high-pressure games. Lastly, she concentrated on discipline, such as maintaining healthy habits to improve stability and on-field performance.

Scoring high-stakes goals in a big game is a skill reserved for elite athletes. She also provides her mental preparation to hit crucial shots, especially in a pivotal game. “I practice visualization, positive self-talk, and staying calm during intense situations so I can make smart decisions during the game. ‎Representing the country in this competition means more than just playing—it’s an honor and a responsibility,”  she added.

She also shared her insight on representing the country as a Bedan student, saying it inspires her to carry the values of discipline, humility, and excellence that the school taught her. “Wearing the national colors reminds me that I’m not only playing for myself, but for my school, my community, and the entire Philippines. It motivates me to work harder and to be a good role model for younger athletes who dream of competing on an international stage.”  

This is not only an opportunity to mark history in the Philippines but also a chance to showcase the perseverance, skill, and hard work of a true Bedan. 

The nation sets its eyes on these young athletes striving for excellence in the U-17 AFC Women's Asian Cup. The SBCA community also cheers on Muros, who will carry the flag of SBCA with her as she makes her way to the top with her teammates. 

With the preparation they had shown, the U-17 Women's National Team are poised to mark a new era for soccer in the Philippines, and as Filipino pride continues to ascend in this sport. It is only a matter of time until the Philippines establishes its dominance in the global game.