Filipinas players shine in three-goal romp of Kuwait in the Philippines’ first match in Uzbekistan for the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers.
Katrina Guillou and Belle Flanigan proved to be key additions to the Philippine women’s national futsal team as they powered a 4-1 victory over Kuwait in the team’s opening match of the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers on Saturday in Uzbekistan.
Guillou ended up with a brace, which was kicked off by her opening goal just two minutes into the game with a clinical finish, giving the more-aggressive Filipinas the advantage early on in their fixture.
After ending the half up, 1-nil, Flanigan would pad the Philippines’ advantage with a lob in the 22nd minute, before three-time UAAP champion Dionesa Tolentin officially made it a rout with the team’s third goal just five minutes after.
Though Kuwait pulled one back thanks to a Shrouq Mohammad score at the 35th minute, Guillou completed her 2-goal performance with the nail in the coffin at the 38th minute, ensuring the Philippines’ victory.
The win was pivotal under new head coach Rafa Merino as it also marked the team’s biggest winning margin in a high-profile international tournament since 2007.
The victory places the Philippines in second place in Group C behind Australia, also with three points. The Aussies are ahead by virtue of goal difference.
Australia are on a plus-5 goal difference against the Philippines’ plus-3.
The Philippines thus ride the momentum of the win when they face hosts Uzbekistan on Monday, 6:00 p.m., Manila time, at the Yunusobod Sport Complex.