PH Women’s Futsal Team Nears AFC Cup Spot

The Philippines strengthened its bid for the 2025 AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup by defeating Turkmenistan, 2-0, on Wednesday at the Yunusobod Sport Complex in Tashkent.

The win raised the Filipinas’ tally to seven points in Group C, with two wins and a draw from three matches.

After a goalless first half, Katrina Guillou broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute with a crucial goal. Inday Tolentin then sealed the victory in the 30th minute, intercepting a poor Turkmenistan pass to score against goalkeeper Maya Musaskaya.

The Filipinas will wrap up the group stage on Sunday against Australia.

They opened the campaign with a commanding 4-1 win over Kuwait and salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw against host Uzbekistan last Monday, courtesy of a late equalizer.

The team’s participation in the qualifiers forms part of their preparations for the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, which the Philippines will host later this year.

A total of 18 teams, divided into four groups, are competing in the qualifiers. The top two teams from each group, along with the best third-placed teams, will advance to the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup, set for May 7-18 in China.

Last Monday, the Filipinas showcased resilience against world No. 18 Uzbekistan, forcing a 3-3 draw in Tashkent.

Judy Connolly scored a crucial equalizer in a one-on-one against Uzbek captain Feriza Turdiboeva. Connolly also disrupted key plays, including an interception against Uzbekistan star Lyudmila Karachik.

Sixteen-year-old goalkeeper Samantha Hughes delivered a standout performance, making 12 second-half saves, including a last-second denial of Karachik’s potential game-winner.

Bella Flanigan provided the perfect start in the match, scoring early in the first half. Katrina Guillou’s third goal of the tournament, assisted by Flanigan, gave the Filipinas a halftime lead.

Uzbekistan rallied with two goals from Karachik, but the Philippine defense held strong to secure the vital point.

The Filipinas are second in Group C, two points behind leaders Australia, as of posting time.