Footballer Fontanilla makes history

Philippine national women’s football team Kiara Fontanilla made history as FC Pyunik delivered a 1-0 win over NSA Sofia of Bulgaria in the semifinal of the first round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers recently at the Petar Miloševski Training Centre in Macedonia.

Fontanilla joins Filipinas teammates Kaya Hawkinson, Angela Beard and Cathrine Graversen as the only members of the national squad to win a game in this prestigious club competition in Europe.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper still couldn’t believe she held her ground for 90 minutes.

Marat Asatyran scored the lone goal of the match in the 90+1 minute.

“It’s unreal, the emotions me and my teammates are going through right now. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for seeing me and my new team play,” Fontanilla said.

“Keep following us on our journey to the Champions League.”

Pyunik needs to win all three qualifying rounds to earn a spot in the Champions League.

Pyunik will next face host club FK Ljuboten in the final of the first qualifying round on Saturday at the same venue.

Ljuboten is coming off a 4-1 win over NSÍ Runavík last 30 July.

The winner of this match will advance to the second round of the qualifiers.