Philippine women’s national football team secure Asian Games quarterfinal berth after 2-0 win over Hong Kong

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 18, 2026

Photo courtesy: The Philippine Football Federation

The Philippine women’s national football team secured a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games after defeating Hong Kong, 2-0, in their second Group G match at the Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium.

The victory gave the Filipinas four points after two matches, following their 1-1 draw against Uzbekistan in their tournament opener, and ensured their return to the knockout stage for the second straight Asian Games.

The Philippines took control early against Hong Kong, opening the scoring in the 12th minute before adding another goal in the second half to seal its first win of the tournament.

Skye Leach scored the opening goal for the Filipinas, while Mallie Ramirez doubled the advantage in the 63rd minute to give the national side enough cushion to see out the match.

The Philippine defense also held firm throughout the game, keeping Hong Kong scoreless despite several attempts to get back into the match.

The result strengthened the Filipinas’ position in Group G, where they are level with China on four points heading into their final group-stage match.

China remains ahead on goal difference after being held to a 1-1 draw by Uzbekistan.

The Filipinas will face China on September 21 in their final group assignment, with the result determining their final position in the group before the knockout stage.

The match against Hong Kong also marked a significant milestone for team captain Hali Long, who earned her 108th international appearance for the Philippines.

The appearance tied her with former men’s national team captain Phil Younghusband for the most international caps by a Philippine footballer, male or female.

Long could take sole possession of the record when the Filipinas face China.

The Philippines is aiming to build on its breakthrough performance at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, where the women’s team reached the quarterfinals in its debut appearance in the continental competition.

The ongoing Asian Games campaign also serves as part of the Filipinas’ preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where the Philippines is set to make its second consecutive appearance.

With a quarterfinal berth already secured, the Filipinas now turn their attention to China as they look to finish the group stage on a strong note and improve their position heading into the knockout round.

Philippine women’s national football team secure Asian Games quarterfinal berth after 2-0 win over Hong Kong | The Philippine Football Federation

Philippine women’s national football team secure Asian Games quarterfinal berth after 2-0 win over Hong Kong | The Philippine Football Federation

Philippine women’s national football team secure Asian Games quarterfinal berth after 2-0 win over Hong Kong | The Philippine Football Federation