THE Filipinas took advantage of a defensive miscue late to salvage a 1-1 draw against Uzbekistan on Monday at the start of the 20th Asian Games women’s football tournament at the Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium in Japan.
Natalie Collins took advantage of a lackadaisical effort by Uzbekistan at the back to score in the 89th minute in her senior national team debut with the Filipinas.
The 19-year-old substitute from Boise State in the US NCAA snatched possession from defender Umida Zoirova, and slotted the ball into the left post and into the back of the net.
Uzbekistan got on the board in the 81st minute on a goal by Mehribon Egamberdieva, but the Filipinas got a very lucky break in the end to gain a point in Group G.
The Philippines faces Hong Kong in its next match on Thursday, before it closes the group stage against China on next Monday.
Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel had a solid outing with seven saves for the Filipinas before that Egamberdieva goal.
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