The Philippine Women’s National Football Team is in a good position to make the quarterfinals of the Asian Games for a second consecutive time, downing Hong Kong, 2-0, in their Matchday 2 clash of the 20th Asian Games on Thursday, September 17, at the Nagaragawa Stadium in Gifu, Japan.
The win moved the Filipinas to second place in Group G ahead of their showdown against 2022 bronze medalist China and with four points, the Filipinas have earned a high possibility to advance to the next round.
PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez hailed the result as a timely confidence boost for the team.
“The girls have earned every bit of this. What I love most is seeing our veterans and rising stars feed off each other’s energy–the fighting spirit of Natalie Collins in her game saving goal against Uzbekistan and the steady leadership of Hali Long, Jaclyn Sawicki, and Carleigh Frilles–that’s the kind of team spirit we’ll need against China and, hopefully, in the quarterfinals,” Gutierrez said.
Forward Skye Leach opened the scoring in the 12th minute, converting off Tsang Pak Tung’s block of winger Inday Tolentin’s header strike. It was the first international goal for Leach, a recruit from the June 2026 San Diego talent identification camp, coming on just her second cap.
San Diego Talend ID Camp discovery Skye Leach (right) celebrates her maiden Filipinas goal with second half scorer Mallie Ramirez (left).
Forward Mallie Ramirez doubled the lead in the 63rd minute, finishing off substitute winger Megan Murray’s cross from a tight angle for her third international goal.
Hong Kong pushed for a response, with Leung Hong Kiu Anke twice coming close, including a strike that clipped the right post in the 48th minute, while goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel and the Filipinas’ backline held firm, denying Hong Kong’s attacks, including a late save on Cheung Wai Ki’s shot in the 87th minute.
“Any goal I get to score for this national team, it’s special every time. Being able to score in such a crucial game is a cool experience for me,” Ramirez, who scored two goals in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, said.
The victory places the Filipinas in second place with four points, tied with China on points but trailing in goal difference by two.
Earlier in the day, China and Uzbekistan played to a 1-1 draw, leaving Uzbekistan in third place with two points. Hong Kong remains winless through two matches.
“I think [the] quarterfinals are pretty much locked in, we just need to wait and see after the final match of where we finish on the table,” said Filipinas head coach Mark Torcaso told pff.org.ph.
“We are really proud of the girls and the opportunity to play against the strongest teams in Asia again. These are opportunities that will help build mental strength, resilience, and tough challenges to help us be ready for next year’s World Cup. We want to go deep into this tournament for the chance to play as many matches as possible,” Torcaso added.
The match also produced significant individual milestones.
Veteran central midfielder Jackie Sawicki earned her 50th international cap, joining Carleigh Frilles, who reached the same milestone in the previous match against Uzbekistan. Team captain Hali Long also made history, tying men’s football legend Phil Younghusband as the most capped Philippine footballer of all time with 108 appearances.
“Both Carleigh and Jackie earned their 50 caps in this game and last respectively. They are important to our march towards the World Cup. It’s important to also acknowledge Hali Long and her game breaking 108th match, to match [the] current record of Phil Younghusband,” Torcaso said.
Looking ahead to China, Torcaso struck a measured but confident tone. “We will enjoy this win, and continue our build to the World Cup, and fully respect China and prepare our best accordingly. They are a powerhouse, and we will do our best to get the outcomes we want.”
The Filipinas face China on September 21 at 3:00 p.m. Philippine time, at the Nagaragawa Stadium in Gifu, Japan, to close the group stage.
