MANILA — The Philippine women’s national football team moved within striking distance of the Asian Games quarterfinals after blanking Hong Kong, 2-0, on Thursday at the Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium in Gifu, Japan.
Skye Leach and Mallie Ramirez struck on either side of halftime as the Filipinas collected three crucial points and climbed to four points in Group G heading into a decisive showdown with China.
Leach gave the Philippines an early breakthrough in the 12th minute after Dionesa Tolentin’s header was deflected by Hong Kong defender Pak Tung Tsang inside the penalty area.
The loose ball fell into the path of Leach, who calmly buried the opportunity to put the Filipinas ahead, 1-0.
Hong Kong attempted to respond, but the Filipinas remained disciplined defensively while continuing to search for opportunities to widen the advantage.
Ramirez provided the insurance goal in the 63rd minute, finishing a well-placed cross from Murray to double the Philippine lead and put the Filipinas firmly in control.
The Filipinas protected the two-goal cushion the rest of the way to secure a crucial victory in their push for a place in the knockout stage.
The Philippines now has four points in Group G, level with China, but remains in second place on goal difference. The Filipinas have a +2 goal difference compared with China’s +4.
That sets up a crucial final group-stage encounter between the Philippines and China on September 21 at 3 p.m. Manila time at the Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium, with the result carrying major implications for the Filipinas’ quarterfinal bid.
Hong Kong will simultaneously face Uzbekistan at Wave Stadium in Kariya.
The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-place finishers, will advance to the quarterfinals./PN
