Hong Kong lose to Philippines, AFC Women’s Asian Cup wait goes on
- Ricardo Rambo’s youngsters lose 2-1 to the Philippines in Tashkent, Uzbekistan to miss out on India 2022 tournament
- Side have not qualified for the continental showpiece since the 2003 edition though coach sees positives in defeat
Hong Kong’s wait for an 15th appearance at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup will go on until at least the 2026 tournament after they lost their final group F qualifier to the Philippines in Tashkent on Friday.
The Malditas won 2-1 to secure a second win and top spot in the winner takes all final group game. Hong Kong had drawn their opener with Nepal, whom the Philippines had beaten in the first game of the group in Uzbekistan.
Hong Kong needed to win to seal a place at India 2022, their first continental competition since 2003, while the Philippines needed a point but it was the Malditas who took the lead.
Tahnai Annis’ 17th minute header gave Hong Kong goalkeeper Ng Cheuk Wai no chance and it was an uphill battle for Ricardo Rambo’s inexperienced side to be one of the 12 qualifiers.
Hong Kong’s Chung Pui-ki gave a glimmer of hope when she levelled the scores from a direct free kick, the skipper finding the top corner with 30 minutes to play.
That hope was extinguished by Chandler McDaniel’s late winner as the Philippines booked a second trip to the Asian Women’s Cup.
