The Philippine Women’s National Football Team encountered its first setback in the 19th Asian Games, suffering a 1-5 loss to Korea Republic on Monday at the Wenzhou Sports Centre.
This outcome meant that the Tigresses of Asia rose to the top of Group E with six points from back-to-back wins.
Coach Mark Torcaso’s squad struck first in the match, thanks to Sarina Bolden’s eight-minute strike, but they failed to build on their lead.
Chun Ga-ram equalized for Korea Republic in the 12th minute from a corner, while Son Hwa-yeon scored the first of her three goals—a header—in the 44th minute, giving her side their first taste of success in the match.
It was in the second half when the Philippines unraveled painfully. Filipina defender Eva Madarang conceded a penalty when she fouled Chun, and Ji So-yun converted the spot-kick in the 52nd minute.
Son then completed her hattrick with goals in the 56th and 70th minutes.
Despite the result, the Filipinas remained in contention to advance to the next round with three points, secured through one win and one defeat.
The top team in Group E will secure an outright ticket to the next round, while the second-placed team will also receive one if they finish among the top three runners-up in the group stage.
Both teams will complete their group stage assignments simultaneously this Thursday at 7:30 PM. The Philippines will take on ASEAN rivals Myanmar, while South Korea will face Hong Kong.
Philippines XI: McDaniel (GK), Cowart, Sawicki, Long ©, Bolden, Eggesvik, Serrano, Harrison, Madarang, Quezada, Guillou.
South Korea XI: Choo, Shim, Son, M Lee, Ji, Choe, Chun, Jang, J Kim (GK), E Lee, H Kim ©.
