OSAKA — Amid challenging circumstances back home in Manila, the Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team made an impressive start to its 2025 AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup qualification campaign, defeating Kuwait 4-1 on Saturday at the Yunusobod Sport Complex in Uzbekistan.
Katrina Guillou and Bella Flanigan, both members of the Filipinas squad that represented the country in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand, played pivotal roles under new coach Rafa Merino.
Guillou struck twice, opening the scoring just two minutes into the game with a clinical finish and sealing the victory in the 38th minute by capitalizing on a defensive error from Kuwait.
Between Guillou’s goals, Flanigan showcased her skill with a superb lob in the 22nd minute, while Far Eastern University alumna and three-time UAAP women’s football champion Dionesa Tolentin added another goal in the 27th minute.
Kuwait’s lone goal came from Shrouq Mohammad in the 35th minute, offering some consolation for the Middle Eastern side.
The win placed the Philippines joint top of Group C, tied with Australia on three points but trailing on goal difference. Australia secured a plus-5 goal difference after a dominant 6-1 victory over Turkmenistan earlier in the day, leaving the Philippines with a plus-3 GD. Kuwait sits at the bottom of the standings with a minus-3 GD.
Next up for the Philippines is a highly anticipated clash against host nation Uzbekistan this Monday at 6 p.m. Manila time, followed by Kuwait taking on Australia at 9 p.m., both matches set to take place at the same venue.
