Despite a 2-1 loss to Australia that ended their 2025 AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup qualification campaign last Sunday at the Yunusobod Sport Complex in Tashkent, the Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team’s overall performance in the group stage earned them a spot in the prestigious tournament, which will take place in China from May 7 to 18.
The Philippines finished the group stage with four points, thanks to a 3-3 draw against host nation Uzbekistan on January 13 and a 2-0 victory over Turkmenistan on January 15.
This performance saw them top the third-placed teams’ rankings, ahead of Myanmar and Kyrgyzstan, both of which earned three points each.
The 4-1 victory over fifth-placed Kuwait on January 11 was not factored into the standings because Groups B and D each had only four teams.
The Filipinas’ hopes of advancing out of Group C faded after Daisy Arrowsmith gave Australia the lead almost seven minutes into the match.
Despite a 19:33 equalizer from Halle Smit’s own goal—after Isabella Flanigan’s initial shot—Australia regained the lead early in the second half.
Jessica Au capitalized on an assist from Claudia Fruscalzo to score the decisive goal, sending Australia through as Group C winners with 12 points from four straight victories.
Meanwhile, in the later match, Uzbekistan took advantage of the situation, defeating Turkmenistan 6-2 to leapfrog the Philippines into second place in Group C.
Both teams finished with seven points, but Uzbekistan’s superior goal difference of +7 edged out the Philippines’ +4.
Ultimately, the Philippines was granted one final chance to qualify for the 12-team tournament this May.
The upcoming AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup will also feature teams from Iran, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Bahrain, Hong Kong, and Chinese Taipei, all competing for the gold.
Iran enters the competition as the back-to-back champion, having won the 2015 and 2018 editions against Japan.
