For the first-time ever, the Philippine national women’s futsal team qualified for the AFC Futsal Women’s Asian Cup after emerging as the best third-place team in the qualifiers in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The Nationals finished with a 2-1-1 win-draw-loss record.

The Philippines edged out the likes of Palestine, Kyrgyzstan, and Myanmar for the best third-place squad in the competition.

The Philippines is coming off a 1-2 loss to Australia last Sunday at the Yunusobod Sports Complex.

The competition will be held from 7 to 18 May in China.

Getting to this spot was a hard climb as the Filipinas-backed women’s futsal team faced tough competition.

The Philippines started its campaign in the qualifiers with a 4-1 win over Kuwait last 11 January before forcing a 3-3 draw against the No. 38 Uzbeks two days later.

A 2-0 victory over Turkmenistan last Wednesday fortified the Nationals’ bid for the Women’s Asian Cup.

Filipinas striker Katrina Guillou was the top scorer for the Philippines in this tournament with four goals while Bella Flanigan and Dionesa Tolentin had two goals each.

It will only get harder from here as defending champion Iran, runner-up Japan and host China, are expected to pose serious challenge for the Nationals.

The Philippines will be entering the tournament as a buildup for the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup from 21 November to 7 December.