Judy Connolly delivered in the nick of time, securing the Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team a dramatic 3-3 draw against 18th-ranked host nation Uzbekistan in their second 2025 AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup qualification match on Monday at the Yunusobod Sport Complex in Tashkent.
Connolly had a penalty attempt saved earlier in the match by Uzbek goalkeeper Sevara Nurullaeva.
However, she redeemed herself with a crucial equalizer in the final minute.
A perfectly timed pass from Katrina Guillou set up Connolly’s decisive strike, earning Rafa Merino’s side a valuable point.
The match’s closing moments were a heart-stopping affair, with Uzbekistan’s Lyumila Karachik seemingly securing the win for the home team just seconds before Connolly’s heroics.
The Philippines had started strongly, with Bella Flanigan scoring just 3:52 into the game.
However, Uzbekistan’s Nilufar Kudratova equalized at the 7:07 mark, keeping the match evenly poised.
Guillou restored the Filipinas’ lead at the 14:23 mark, her third goal of the tournament showcasing her clinical finishing.
Despite this, the hosts fought back as Karachik netted her first goal in the 22:33 mark, leveling the match at 2-2.
With time winding down, Karachik again put Uzbekistan ahead late in the game, but Connolly’s last-minute strike salvaged a draw for the Filipinas, ranked 59th in the world.
The result keeps the Philippines at the top of Group C with four points, thanks to their opening win and this hard-earned stalemate.
Meanwhile, Uzbekistan, beginning their campaign with a single point, sits in third place.
Both teams will return to action on Wednesday at the same venue. The Philippines will face Turkmenistan at 7:00 PM (Manila time), while Uzbekistan takes on Kuwait at 9:00 PM (Manila time).
