The Philippine national women’s football team shoots for its first victory when it battles Hong Kong in the women’s football event of the 20th Asian Games on Thursday at the Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium in Gifu, Japan.

Kickoff is at 6 p.m. (Manila time), with the Filipinas looking to build on their 1-1 draw with Uzbekistan last Monday.

Rookie Natalie Collins rescued the Philippines with an 89th-minute equalizer in her international debut, earning a valuable point against the Uzbeks.

Philippines head coach Mark Torcaso was pleased with how the 19-year-old Collins handled the pressure and delivered when the team needed her most.

“Nat Collins has come along this journey since my appointment, and we have worked together for these moments. I am very proud of her and satisfied she scored a goal on her debut,” Torcaso said.

“A draw is okay, still. But we need to now focus on the next match. Hong Kong is a tough team. We need to be ready.”

The Filipinas will draw confidence from their most recent meeting with Hong Kong, where they secured a 1-0 victory in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers last July.

Another win would put the Philippines in a stronger position in Group C, where only the top two teams and the two best third-placed squads advance to the knockout stage.

Veterans Katrina Guillou, Sofia Harrison, Olivia McDaniel and team captain Hali Long are expected to lead the Filipinas once again, with Collins hoping to build on her impressive debut.