THE Philippines strengthened its bid for a quarterfinal berth in the 20th Asian Games women’s football tournament after defeating Hong Kong, 2-0, on Thursday at Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium in Gifu, Japan.
Skye Leach and Mallie Ramirez scored a goal apiece as the Filipinas secured their second consecutive draw-free result in Group G and kept their knockout-stage hopes alive.
Leach opened the scoring in the 12th minute, capitalizing on a loose ball inside the box after Dionesa Tolentin’s header was deflected by Hong Kong defender Pak Tung Tsang.
The rebound fell to Leach, who calmly converted to give the Philippines an early advantage.
Hong Kong struggled to find an equalizer as the Filipinas maintained their defensive shape and looked for opportunities to extend their lead.
Ramirez eventually doubled the advantage in the 63rd minute, finishing a well-placed cross from Murray to put the Philippines in firm control of the contest.
The victory moved the Filipinas to four points in Group G, level with China. The Philippines remained in second place, however, with a +2 goal difference compared to China’s +4.
The Filipinas will face China on September 21 at 3 p.m. Manila time at Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium, with the final group-stage match set to determine their quarterfinal fate.
The top two teams in each group, along with the two best third-place finishers, will advance to the knockout stage. (Adrian Co)
