AFC Futsal qualifiers: PH beats Turkmenistan, tops Group C standings

Katrina Guillou in action during the match against Turkmenistan. | AFC photo

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team secured their second victory in the ongoing Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Futsal Qualifiers, defeating Turkmenistan 2-0 on Wednesday night, January 15, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

With the win, the Philippines now leads Group C with seven points from two wins and a draw, dislodging previous group leader Australia, who sits in second place with six points. The victory also guarantees the Philippines a spot in the tournament proper this May in China.

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Turkmenistan and Kuwait remain winless in Group C, with Kuwait suffering their third loss and Turkmenistan falling to the Philippines for their second defeat.

Katrina Guillou, a standout reinforcement from the Philippine Women’s National Football Team (PWNFT) or Filipinas, played a pivotal role in the victory. 

Guillou opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a precise strike from outside the box, set up brilliantly by Judy Connolly.

Dionesia Tolentin doubled the Philippines’ lead in the 29th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Turkmenistan. Tolentin’s defensive prowess was in full display after intercepting a play and exploiting from the blunder, firing past a defenseless Turkmenistan goal.

The win came just two nights after the Philippines settled for a thrilling 3-3 draw against host Uzbekistan.

The team’s toughest challenge awaits as they face Australia on Sunday, January 19, at the Yunusobod Sports Complex in Tashkent.