The Philippines bowed to powerhouse Australia, 2-1, but still managed to book a spot in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup Finals on Sunday, Jan. 19.

The Australians, who were already assured of a seat in the next phase slated in China in May, waxed hot early at the Yunusobod Sports Complex in Tashkent, Uzbekistan with their aggressive attacks to keep them unscathed in four matches.

The Aussies topped Group C with 12 points in this qualifying event, while the PH booters settled for third after tiebreaks were applied between them and Uzbekistan.

Still, it earned them a spot in the Finals after becoming the best third-placed team.

They join the Uzbeks, which claimed second in the group via goal difference against the Filipinas.

Also advancing are Thailand, Bahrain, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and China. They will join two-time champions Iran, Japan and host China.

The draw will be held in Hohhot, China on Feb. 7

Against the Aussies, Katrina Guillou almost gave the Nationals an early edge but her grounded effort went wide on the left post.

Daisy Arrowsmith, then, pounced on a stray clearance from Judy Connolly before striking into the back of the net in the seventh minute for the Australians.

The Filipinas, however, quickly equalized the match in the waning seconds of the first half courtesy of Isabella Flanigan, but the Australians scored within seconds of the second half from Jessica Au and held that lead since then.