Late double sees Filipinas escape Hong Kong in Torcaso's first match

The Philippine women's national football team opened their Asian Games campaign with a 3-1 win against Hong Kong at the Wenzhou Sports Center Stadium, in their first match with new head coach Mark Torcaso.

PHOTO CREDIT: One Sports

In his first official match at the helm, Torcaso put out a familiar-looking lineup with three changes from the side that beat New Zealand at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Sarina Bolden opened the scoring in the 8th minute from the penalty spot after Hong Kong's Chung Pui Ki was called for a handball inside the penalty area, taking her international goal tally to 23.

With the lead, the Philippines kept on the pressure, but Hong Kong grew into the match, keeping the Filipinas defense busy as well with counter-attacks.

And in the 39th minute, Hong Kong found their equalizer through veteran Cheung Wai Ki's long range strike, which went past Olivia McDaniel and high into the Filipinas' net.

Even with the level scoreline, the Philippines had a number of chances to take the lead, most notably Katrina Guillou getting into position for a couple of headers in the second half.

The breakthrough finally arrived with one minute left in regulation through Quinley Quezada. The Perth Glory forward tucked home off a goalmouth scramble for her 23rd international goal.

Guillou finally got her goal deep into stoppage time with a well-executed turn and shot to finally ice the match, 3-1 to the Philippines.

The Filipinas temporarily move to top spot in Group E of the Asian Games Women's Football Tournament, and will be facing fellow Women's World Cup side South Korea on Monday, September 25, again at the Wenzhou Sports Center Stadium.