Filipinas captain Hali Long (5) during their friendly against Chinese Taipei at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, June 3, 2025. PFF-PWNFT Media
MANILA, Philippines – Filipinas captain Hali Long made her 90th appearance for the Philippine women's national football team on Tuesday night, but the defender's latest milestone ended on a bittersweet note.
The Filipinas absorbed a 0-1 defeat against Chinese Taipei in a friendly match at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila.
Long only learned this feat just moments before the game started, as relayed by national squad coach Mark Torcaso.
"It’s tough," Long expressed. "I didn’t know it was my 90th until coach Mark [Torcaso] said something like 20 seconds before the game started."
The Filipinas skipper said it's an honor to reach that mark, but was admittedly conflicted as their team fell to the visitors.
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Chinese Taipei's Saki Matsunaga capitalized on a fumble by Sara Eggesvik at the 27th minute, scoring a goal on a short clearance enough for a 1-0 triumph against the home team.
"Every cap is an honor. I mean, I don’t take any of this for granted — friendly, qualifier — I just try to set the best example I can for my teammates. Old, young," said Long.
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"It’s unfortunate we couldn’t get the win tonight here at home. We haven’t played here in a long time. So it’s bittersweet."
As the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers looms, Long said they will bounce back as a team as they seek another shot for football glory at the continental level.
"Tough loss. But we win as a team and we lose as a team. So, we’ll hock it as a team. Luckily it’s just a friendly and we have qualifiers next month to look forward to," she said.