The Philippine women’s national football team scored their country’s first win the Asian Games since 1958, scoring two goals late in the game for a 3-1 Group E opener against Hong Kong in the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou tonight.
Frustrated at cracking the go-ahead goal against a compact and very physical Chinese defense, attacking midfielder Quinley Quezada forced one off a scramble inside the six-yard box in the 89th minute for her 23rd international goal.
Two minutes later, striker Katrina Guillou goaled with a beautiful turnaround strike off an assist by Meryll Serrano for her 11th international goal.
The Filipinas touched the back of the net early on with World Cup hero Sarina Bolden scoring on a penalty kick after a handball violation by wing back Chun Pui-Ki inside Hong Kong’s penalty area.
Hong Kong was unfazed though as they counterattacked with quick buildup plays, resulting in a 30-yard power goal by Cheung Wai Ki from the top of the box to tie the game in the 29th minute.
The Filipinas found golden opportunities in the 54th minute but Bolden’s strike from the right flank hit the right goal post while Chandler McDaniel’s follow-up was saved by goalkeeper Ng Cheuk Wai.
The world number 44 Philippines faced a draw scare against the world number 77 Hong Kong but the Filipinas’ dominance on possession and retention in the final third paid dividends, leading to the back-to-back goals from Quezada and Guillou.
It was another milestone for the Philippines in football, missing the Asian Games bus since 1974 and having last won in 1958 with a 1-0 win against Japan in the men’s tournament.
The Filipinas will next face world number 20 and reigning bronze medalists South Korea, a squad fresh from a 1-1 draw against Germany in the 2023 World Cup.
In rowing, Joanie Delgaco barged into the finals of the women’s singles sculls event, placing second in the first semifinals group by clocking in eight minutes and sixteen seconds, eight seconds behind heat winner Shiho Yonekawa of Japan.
Delgaco will battle for a medal in the six-women finals on Monday.
Pinays are also doing good in beach volleyball as Beach Volleyball Republic stalwarts Dij Rodrigez-Gen Eslapor and Khy Progella-Grydelle Matibag are assured of Round of 16 slots by winning two games each, with one game remaining in their respective groups.
The 2022 Asian Games opening ceremony is set for tomorrow, with Olympians Margie Didal of women’s skateboarding and EJ Obiena of men’s pole vault carrying the flag.
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