The Philippines shrugged off controversy surrounding its buildup and secured qualification to the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup despite a 2-1 loss to Australia in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Sunday’s defeat didn’t prevent the Filipina futsal squad from progressing to the continental tournament this May in China after emerging as the best third placer among the four groups following the eight-day qualifying phase.

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That meant that the Philippines will benefit from having competitive matches as part of its preparation for the inaugural Fifa Women’s Futsal World Cup which the country is set to host in November.

Sense of relief

Led by Spanish coach Rafa Merino and national women’s football team mainstays Katrina Guillou and Bella Flanigan, the ladies produced seven points on two wins, one draw and one defeat, trailing Australia (12 points) and group host Uzbekistan (also at seven points but ahead on goal difference).

The performance should give the Philippine Football Federation perhaps a sense of relief and justification after coming into disagreements with the team’s previous backer over the team’s preparation.

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The PFF had sacked Dutch coach Vic Hermans last December, a decision that was eventually followed by Danny Moran backing out as team manager.

The Philippine side opened the campaign with a 4-1 win over Kuwait. An equalizer by Judy Connolly helped salvage a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan before the Filipino ladies brought down Turkmenistan, 2-0.

Guillou brought her goalscoring ways to the indoor scene and found the net four times for the Philippines.

Fellow 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup veteran Flanigan and Tolentin also had two goals each while keeper Samantha Hughes had her strong moments between the sticks.

The four standouts are expected to figure prominently for both the Asian Cup and World Cup, though the PFF said prior to the qualifiers that roster spots will need to be earned. INQ