By: Gil Moriones
MANILA --- The Philippine Women's National Football Team were in the sure approach to qualify in the knockout stages of the 2026 Asian Games Women's Football for the second straight after their 2-0 win vs. Hong Kong with at least being one of the two best third-placers in the continuing Group G action held at Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium, Thursday afternoon.
The tenure to Last 8 for the 2025 SEA Games Gold Medalists happened after Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar - the strong contenders to qualify as best third placers - are now with two losses after suffered heavy defeats against Chinese Taipei, Japan, and North Korea.
The recent match was Hali Long's 108th appearance which now officially tying Azkals legend Phil Younghusband.
The newcomer Skye Leach got her first international goal as Filipinas after she scored from a rebound after Dionesa Tolentin's header attempt went straight to the keeper it the 12th minute.
The Filipinas remained composed in their tempo with some limits of their aggressiveness until first half ends.
Starting minutes of the second half was something terrible for the Filipinas' defense as Leung Hong Kiu attempt went through Olivia McDaniels but the ball settled to hit the post in the 47th minute.
The Hong Kong severally tested defensive tenancy of Filipinas as Cheung Wai Ki launched her serious attempt but it was blocked by Long in the 54th minute to still preserve their 1-0 advantage.
Mallie Ramirez fired her first attempt but it went too high in the 58th minute not until the 62nd minute where she doubled the lead for the 2027 Women's World Cup contenders.
The fresh legs of Megan Murray found Ramirez from the right flank and Ramirez pounced brute force to launch her shot which finally converted for the Philippines, 2-0.
Earlier, the Uzbekistan shockingly forced a point against powerhouse China, 1-1.
China and Philippines both shared four points but the former still led the Group G possessing +4 goal differential compared to +2 for the Philippines ahead of their final group stage fixture on September 21.
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