The Philippine Women’s National Football Team could regain one of its key leaders just in time for its most crucial match of the tournament.
Midfield anchor Jaclyn Sawicki is expected to return to action for the Filipinas when they face Iran in their final Group A match of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, after missing the team’s 3-0 loss to South Korea due to a minor injury sustained in training.
Sawicki was notably absent from the matchday lineup on Thursday, with Isabella Pasion stepping into the starting XI while Arianna Markey also earned a start in place of Alexa Pino against the powerhouse Taeguk Ladies.
After the match, Filipinas head coach Mark Torcaso clarified that Sawicki’s absence was more about caution than concern.
“Yeah, Jackie got a little knock in training yesterday. She’ll be okay for the next game. She probably could have gotten close to playing this one, but we also have to consider that if we want to get out of the group, we need to have Jackie at her best,” he explained.
“And it was probably just not in the best for her to play this game. But she’s going to be 100 percent ready for the next game,” Torcaso added.
With Sawicki sidelined, the Filipinas turned to younger options to fill the gap in midfield and defense. Torcaso commended Pasion for stepping up in a difficult assignment against one of Asia’s traditional powerhouses.
“Obviously, they’re big shoes to fill because Jackie is a very important player for us. But, you know, Bella pushed really hard. And I think in the second half, we got to see Jourdyn Curran and first what she’s about. She’s a new player to us as well. So they both, you know, did a really good job,” he said.
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𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘
A tough challenge against the 2022 runners-up. On to the next match versus Iran.
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#LabanFilipinasParaSaBayan #WeGoAgain #PHIvKOR #WAC2026 pic.twitter.com/ktzFJLKWT6
— Philippine Women’s National Football Team (@PilipinasWNFT) March 5, 2026
Torcaso believes the rest period will allow Sawicki to return at full strength for Sunday’s decisive encounter.
“Obviously, Jackie is a very experienced player and a very important player to our group. But we’ll definitely be seeing Jackie back in the next game. Just more precautionary, probably with her,” he said.
The Filipinas, however, head into that match under immense pressure after absorbing their second straight defeat in the tournament. South Korea struck early and maintained control in the 3-0 victory, leaving the Philippines searching for its first points of the competition.
Despite the result, Torcaso emphasized the team’s resilience and growth, especially among its younger players.
“We don’t like to lose. But the character of our players always shines. And the character of our young players definitely comes on and show the exuberance and the excitement that we need. And that’s backed up by our experienced players,” he said.
“And while, again, it’s not the result that we wanted, we want to obviously be closer and closer to the best teams. It’s also a very good experience and learning for all our players, young and experienced,” Torcaso added.
With their tournament hopes hanging in the balance, the Filipinas now turn their focus to Iran in what has effectively become a must-win match. A positive result would keep the Philippines in contention for a quarterfinal berth while also keeping alive its pathway toward qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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