Connolly scores clutch as Women's V draws a point vs. high-ranked Uzbekistan

Judy Connolly received warm hugs from her teammates after scoring a silencer for the Philippines in Tashkent. AFC

By: Gil Moriones

MANILA - The Philippines women's national futsal team historically amassed a point against the 18th in the FIFA Women's Futsal rankings and one of the host of the 2025 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers, Uzbekistan in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Yunusobod Sport Complex in Tashkent, tonight. 

Lyumila Karachik, who played also for the Uzbekistan women's national football team, scored their supposedly game winner approaching to the last two minutes of the game making the Uzbek crowd hailed on its feet. 

But Judy Connolly just silenced the hometown, only enjoyed their ecstasy just a few seconds after Karachik's goal, after she scored in a real quick mode in the 38:02 minute on her solo run making seal the deal for the Philippines. 

Veteran custodian Samantha Hughes was hot in the defensive post for the Philippines after stopping some solid shots from the World's no. 18 rank.

Bella Flanigan scored her second goal of the tournament after three chances in the 03:52 minute frame. 

This happened from the attempt from distance by Dionesa Tolentin which tapped by the Uzbek keeper and rebounded by Kat Guillou but saved again until Flanigan cleaned up the mess on her another successful lob that converted as the first goal for the Philippines. 

However, the defense of the Women's V caught up after the beautiful feed from the half located Nilufar Kutratova to easily convert their equalizer dedicated for the host nation at 07:07 minute. 

But, with the last six minutes minutes before halftime, a stunning counterattack were immerse by the Philippines as Flanigan found Guillou where she simply tap the ball to easily and quickly converted for the leading goal of the Philippines before first half ends. 

Guillou is now one of the top goal scorers of the qualifying tournament listing 3 goals. 

In the 22:33 minute mark of the 2nd half, Karachik finally scored for Uzbekistan to equalize everything after the beautiful 1-2 touch from her teammate seizing her advantage on her physique and aggressiveness. 

The Philippines maintains their haven position in Group C after sharing spoils with the host team with four points and will face the Turkmenistan on Wednesday, 6PM (Philippine Standard Time).