MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines scored two goals late to beat an upset Hong Kong 3-1 on Friday and give new coach Mark Torcaso a winning start to his tenure in the women’s football competitions of the Hangzhou Asian Games on Friday.
Quinley Quezada scored before the end of regulation time during a scramble in the penalty area before Katrina Guillou scored an insurance goal to ensure the Philippines got the full three points at the Wenzhou Sports Center Stadium.
Both goals completed the Philippines’ breakout act against the team it had defeated handily in the first round of the Olympic qualifying tournament last April.
It was also the Philippines’ first match since their debut at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Torcaso was able to guide the team to victory after he was tapped last month to succeed coach Alen Stajcic, who left after the World Cup.
Things looked bright after Sarina Bolden scored from ninth in the match for her 23rd career goal in a Philippines shirt.
But Hong Kong stunned the Philippines in the 39th when Cheung Wai Ki fired a long-range effort that goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel could not prevent.
The score stood until the 89th, when confusion at the goal line allowed Quezada to cut into the lead and put the Philippines on top.
Quezada regained her tie with Bolden for most all-time goals by a Philippine women’s player.
Guillou scored the Philippines’ third goal a minute into stoppage time, spinning past a defender before putting the ball in the back of the net.