Filipinas reinforcements provide instant impact as PH thwarts Kuwait in AFC futsal qualifiers

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Philippine women's football standouts Katrina Guillou and Bella Flanigan set the tone for the country's retooling futsal team as it rolls to a 4-1 rout of Kuwait

MANILA, Philippines – Katrina Guillou and Bella Flanigan delivered immediate boosts as the Philippines made quick work of Kuwait, 4-1, to kickstart the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers at the Yunusobod Sport Complex in Uzbekistan on on Saturday night, January 11.

Guillou finished with a brace, scoring bookend goals for the Philippines, while fellow Philippine women’s football team standout Flanigan showed her worth in a clinical outing en route to the country’s first win with the new national team program.

The Nationals revamped the roster this month with members of the Filipinas after the removal of former head coach Vic Hermans.

Spanish tactician Rafa Merino took over the role at the start of the year as the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) reinforced the team with the likes of Guillou and Flanigan, who played for the Philippines in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Guillou struck her first goal just two minutes into the game, before sealing the win in the 38th minute with a straight strike for the squad’s fourth goal.

Flanigan, meanwhile, had an astounding lob goal in the 22nd minute to hand the Philippines firm control of the match.

Former three-time UAAP women’s football champion Dionesa Tolentin then had another goal in the 27th minute as the Philippines went up, 3-0.

Shrouq Mohammad connected on Kuwait’s only goal of the game in the 35th minute.

With the win, the Philippines got a share of the top seed in Group C alongside Australia, who defeated Turkmenistan, 6-1.

The Philippines will next face the hosts Uzbekistan, ranked 18th in the world. The game will take place on Monday, January 13, 6 pm (Manila time) at the same venue. – Rappler.com

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