MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines salvaged a stunning draw against host nation 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.
Judy Connolly scored the game-tying goal with two minutes left in the match to the dismay of the heavy favorite Uzbeks.
Ranked 59th in the world, the Philippines improved to four points in Group C after their opening win against Kuwait last Saturday, January 11.
The hosts were already in celebratory mode when Lyudmila Karachik gave Uzbekistan a 3-2 cushion following a goal with a little over two minutes remaining.
However, in the next sequence, the Philippines then went to Connolly, who triggered a left boot off an assist from Filipinas player Katrina Guillou to force the stalemate against the Asian powerhouse.
The Nationals led at halftime as Bella Flanigan netted the first goal three minutes into the match before Guillou answered Uzbekistan’s Nilufar Kudratova equalizer to take a 2-1 lead.
Karachik knotted the score early in the second half, as she took over for the Uzbekistan before the late sequence that cost the hosts the win.
Standing atop their group, the Philippines increased its chance of qualifying to the Asian Cup as the top two teams of each group and the best third-placer will be given the nine slots for the continental tilt.
The national squad, which underwent a program overhaul in the past month, will look to bring their momentum against Turkmenistan on Wednesday at the same venue. – Rappler.com