Action between the Philippine women's national football team and Chinse Taipei in a friendly, June 3, 2025 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. PFF-PWNFT MediaMANILA, Philippines – Coach Mark Torcaso saw the silver linings in Filipinas' tough loss against Chinese Taipei in a friendly match on Tuesday night at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
The Philippine women's national football team suffered a 0-1 defeat, dealt ultimately by Chinese Taipei's Saki Matsunaga who capitalized on a fumble by Sara Eggesvik in the 27th minute, scoring a goal on a short clearance enough for a narrow triumph.
READ: Football: Filipinas lose against Chinese Taipei in friendly
But the Filipinas kept pressing in the last 35 minutes, trying to penetrate the visitors' defenses -- to the delight of the national team tactician.
"It's always tough losing any game in any sport. But you probably saw the character of what our girls are actually about in that last 35 minutes. And I can't doubt the fight in these girls," said Torcaso.
Still, he belives that this bump was just part of the process, keeping them grounded as part of the preparations for a bigger challenge.
They will participate in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in Cambodia, eyeing another shot for football glory at the continental level.
READ: 3 newcomers join Filipinas for Manila camp
"It's not the result, obviously, that we would want, because we want to win every single game. But it's a good preparation game for our Asian Cup qualifiers. And that's why we're really looking forward to going to Cambodia."
READ: Football: Sarina Bolden still uncertain for Asian Cup qualifiers due to injury
Although for now, they are at risk of not playing with Sarina Bolden, who is undergoing rehabilitation for an injury, as bared by Torcaso himself after the match.
"She is going through some rehabilitation at the moment. Hopefully, she will be okay," said Torcaso.