GOAL

Filipinas face Chinese, eye sweep

Ivan Suing · Sep 21, 2026, 4:11 AM

KATRINA Guillou and the Filipinas attempt to sweep their group when they face China in the women’s football competitions of the 20th Asian Games. — Photograph courtesy of PFF

The Philippine women’s football team battles China as it goes for a sweep of Group G Monday in the 20th Asian Games at the Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium in Japan.

Kickoff is at 3 p.m. (Manila time), with the Filipinas seeking to secure the top spot while also settling an old score with the Chinese in their first meeting since the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Jordan.

Both teams have one win and one draw, but China sits atop Group G with a superior goal difference.

The Filipinas are coming off a 2-0 victory over Hong Kong last Thursday, keeping their bid for a return to the Asian Games knockout stages on track.

China, meanwhile, was held to a 1-1 draw by Uzbekistan, losing some momentum after opening its campaign with a 5-1 rout of Hong Kong.

Filipinas head coach Mark Torcaso said his team must be at its best against the Chinese, whom he described as a powerhouse.

“We will enjoy this win (versus Hong Kong), and continue our build to the World Cup, and fully respect China and prepare our best accordingly. They are a powerhouse, and we will do our best to get the outcomes we want,” Torcaso said.

The winner of Group G will also earn a favorable path in the knockout stage, with the group leader facing the third-place team from either Group E or Group F.

But the Filipinas have another motivation against the Chinese.

In the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, China defeated the Philippines 3-0 in the group stage before going on to win the bronze medal.

The Filipinas have since made significant strides, winning the 2022 ASEAN Women’s Championship and qualifying for their first FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.

Wang Shuang looms as one of China’s biggest threats after scoring twice in the team’s first two matches of the Asian Games.

The Filipinas will rely on Mallie Ramirez and Skye Leach for goals, with veterans Katrina Guillou, Sofia Wunsch and captain Hali Long providing experience.