As the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers draw closer, Philippine Women’s National Football Team head coach Mark Torcaso remains optimistic that his squad can rise to the challenge — despite a 1-0 loss to Chinese Taipei in their final friendly match last Tuesday.
Returning to the Rizal Memorial Stadium for the first time since their triumphant 2022 AFF Women’s Championship campaign, the Filipinas were cheered on by 3,312 fans. However, they struggled to find rhythm in the attacking third.
To compound their frustration, the lone goal of the match — scored in the 27th minute by Saki Matsunaga — stemmed from an uncharacteristic error by midfielder Sara Eggesvik.
Still, Torcaso chose to focus on the positives.
“I just told the girls that this was a really good performance, especially in the second half,” said Torcaso. “We’re getting to the level we want to reach. If we can play like we did in those last 35 minutes — especially against teams like Hong Kong, Cambodia, or Saudi Arabia — I truly believe we’re going to win.
“That’s why I told them: take confidence from this game. Be proud of your performance. More importantly, be proud that we’re playing here again. There are so many people who want to see these girls. That’s what we want to bring to this country — more home matches. Over 3,000 fans came out today, and that’s a step forward as we prepare for the Asian Cup qualifiers.”
(C) PWNT
The match against Chinese Taipei was also played with a depleted lineup, as several key players from the previous FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign — such as Sarina Bolden, Katrina Guillou, Meryll Serrano, Bella Flanigan, Sofia Harrison Wunsch, and Quinley Quezada — were unavailable for various reasons.
In their absence, Torcaso handed international debuts to Chayse Ying, Megan Murray, and Julianna Barker.
The Australian coach welcomed the competition for roster spots, calling it “a good headache to have” as he and his staff work to finalize the squad from a pool of 50 players.
“We gave debuts to players in key roles, and that was an important challenge for them,” he noted. “But when you look at players like Katrina Guillou, Meryll Serrano, and Quinley Quezada — these are experienced World Cup players, and we’re expecting them to return for the qualifiers.
“That’s a very exciting prospect for us. We saw glimpses of what this team can become. We’re proud of this group, and they’re going to represent the country well. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”
(C) PWNFT
Among those whose return could prove decisive is Sarina Bolden. No player in the current pool matches the 28-year-old striker’s knack for scoring. With 31 goals in 52 international caps, Bolden remains the Filipinas’ most prolific finisher.
While her status for the qualifiers is still uncertain, Torcaso remains hopeful.
“She’s undergoing rehabilitation at the moment. Hopefully, she’ll be ready in time.”
