PH blanks Turkmenistan, moves closer to Futsal Asian Cup berth

The Philippines sustained its impressive run as they trounced another higher-ranked team in world No. 38 Turkmenistan, 2-0, on Wednesday, January 15, at the Yunusobod Sport Complex in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Katrina Guillou scored the game-winning goal in the 23rd minute to give the Philippines the lead after the first half ended in a draw between the two teams.

Then, in the 30th minute, Inday Tolentin secured all three points by beating Maya Musaskaya to the goal after taking advantage of a poor pass from Turkmenistan.

The Turkmenistan women maintained a goalless record in the second half thanks to their pesky defensive front to begin the match. 

With two victories and one draw in their record, the 59th-ranked Philippines now has seven points with a +7 goal differential, putting the Filipinas in the provisional top spot in Group C and bringing them closer to an Asian Cup ticket. 

The Filipinas will conclude the group phase when they face Australia on Sunday, January 19, for a chance to claim their first-ever Asian Cup ticket. 

The Philippines opened its campaign by defeating Kuwait and drawing with host Uzbekistan, kicking off the national team's roster overhaul this year in preparation for the World Cup.

The 2025 AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup will take place in China from May 7–18.