Showing courage and determination, the Philippine national women’s futsal team pulled off a 2-0 victory over Turkmenistan on Wednesday night in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Futsal Asian Cup China 2025 Group C qualifiers in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The performance immediately drew praises from fans and the team’s mother federation.
“We are very happy of the way the girls are performing. We wish they can continue with this until the end of the tournament,” said Philippine Football Federation secretary general Angelo Mercader. “The girls have shown their competitive spirit, palaban sila.”
It was the Philippines’ second win in the tournament, following a 3-0 draw with host Uzbekistan earlier in the qualifiers.
The victory also kept the Filipinas at the top of Group C and strengthened their chances of reaching the finals in four months.
Katrina Guillou opened scoring in the 22nd minute, while Dionesia Tolentin sealed the win with a second goal in the 29th.
Their combined efforts propelled the Filipinas closer to earning a slot in the tournament proper, scheduled from May 7 to 18.
Football officials said the team has turned around since its revamp last wee, following a disappointing showing during the recent 2024 ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship.
The first goal was a result of a well-orchestrated play. Cathrine Graversen initiated the attack by setting up Judy Connolly, who delivered a precise pass to Guillou.
Guillou skillfully dribbled past defenders and found the net just outside the box.
New coach Rafael Merino, with national women’s football team coach Mark Torcaso assisting him, has kept the Filipinas in fighting shape.
As the 30th minute approached, Tolentin capitalized on an error by Turkmenistan’s keeper, Malika Eminova.
Tolentin intercepted a stray pass to Maya Musaskaya and sent the ball into the unguarded net.
Later Wednesday evening, Uzbekistan defeated Kuwait 5-0 to retain third place and stay in contention with a 1-1-0 record.
