PH draws point to score 3-3 draw vs Uzbekistan in AFC Futsal

The Philippines managed to finish in a draw against host country and world No. 18 Uzbekistan, 3-3, in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers on Monday night, January 13, at the Yunusobod Sports Complex in Tashkent.

Ranked 59th in the world, the Philippines, who had just defeated Kuwait 4-1 on Saturday, January 11, now have a 1-0-1 win-loss-draw record in Group C, while the hosts had a 0-0-1 start to the season.

Judy Connolly delivered the game-tying goal with two minutes remaining in the game, much to the dismay of the Uzbeks.

With little over two minutes left, Lyudmila Karachik handed Uzbekistan a 3-2 lead after a score, putting the hosts in a jubilant mood early.

Connolly, however, forced the deadlock against the Asian powerhouse in the following phase by triggering a left boot off an assist from Filipinas player Katrina Guillou.

Three minutes into the match, Bella Flanigan gave the Nationals the lead. Guillou then equalized Nilufar Kudratova of Uzbekistan to take a 2-1 lead at halftime.

Uzbekistan made a last-ditch effort in the final three seconds, but Karachik's kick went completely off as the two teams settled for a draw. 

The Philippines' chances of making it to the Asian Cup increased as they topped their group with nine spots for the continental tournament going to the top two teams in each group and the best third-place finisher.

The Filipinas will play their next match at the same venue on Wednesday, January 15, against Turkmenistan, who suffered a crushing 6-1 defeat to Australia the previous Saturday.