The Philippines blanked Turkmenistan, 2-0, to inch closer to the next stage of the 2025 AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers at the Yunusobod Sports Complex in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on Wednesday night, Jan. 15.

The Nationals banked on a strong second half showing behind the efforts of Katrina Guillou and Dionesa Tolentin to clinch the crucial win and put them on the provisional lead in Group C with two wins and one draw for seven points.

The PH booters opened their campaign with a 4-1 victory over Kuwait before settling for a 3-3 stalemate with host Uzbekistan a few days ago.

Turkmenistan flexed its might early in the first half with Lale Haipova attempting a goal on the left flank to no avail, but the Filipinas were quick to counter.

Malika Mammedova’s goal from distance, however, was overturned in the fifth minute for an infringement, but the PH booters continued to struggle in finding their rhythm with several missed opportunities, including a free kick from Judy Connolly that sailed past the goal.

The Nationals finally found their pace in the 23^rd minute after Connolly slipped a through pass to Guillou to score from inside the area.

Tolentin followed it up eight minutes later after pouncing on keeper Malika Eminova’s stray pass to Maya Musaskaya to score into an unattended net.

Up next for Team PH will be Australia on Sunday, Jan. 18.

The Aussies currently tote six points on two wins against Kuwait (5-0) and Turkmenistan (6-1), and are scheduled to collide with Uzbekistan on Friday, Jan. 17, before battling the Filipinas.