Nakhon Ratchasima — Substitute scorer Nicole Ramores delivered a spectacular late equalizer as the Philippine women’s national futsal team concluded their strongest-ever campaign in the 2026 ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship, earning a 1–1 draw against Group B leaders Australia on Wednesday at Terminal 21 Korat.
PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez lauded the team’s performance, underscoring how far the Filipina5 program has advanced in just one year.
“We are very proud of this team and the progress they continue to make. From the start in Uzbekistan, our mission was simple, to earn respect for the Philippines, and this run in the 2026 ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship showed just how much has been achieved in a year. The Filipina5 are taking important steps toward building a strong, competitive program, and their effort and determination have inspired many young Filipinos to pursue futsal. To the players, coaches, and staff—thank you and congratulations!”
The Filipina5 finished the group stage with four points—tripling their tally from the inaugural edition hosted in Pasig City in 2024—marking the Philippines’ most competitive performance in the regional championship to date.
Late equalizer saves a point
With 41 seconds left on the clock, Ramores stunned the Group B leaders, tapping in the equalizer at point-blank range after Cathrine Graversen muscled her way through a triple-team on the right flank and slipped a through ball into the goalmouth.
The play came just 19 seconds after Australian spitfire Clare Holder converted a long heave into an empty Philippine net during a Filipina5 power-play sequence.
Ramores’ clutch strike sealed a resilient performance from a Filipina5 side that refused to wilt under high pressure.
Clean sheet for Hughes, Santiago
Australia dominated possession early, generating multiple on-target attempts, but goalkeeper Sam Hughes delivered a stellar first-half performance. Her five clutch saves—including a double save on two power shots near the arc—kept the match scoreless heading into halftime.
The Philippines found its rhythm in the second half, producing quality attacking sequences despite the imposing presence of Australian keeper Sarah Maree Easthope.
Hughes was briefly sidelined due to thigh discomfort, with substitute keeper Kayla Santiago stepping in to fend off several Australian strikes while the opponents grew increasingly inaccurate.
Hughes returned for the final five minutes and added six more saves to complete one of the standout goalkeeping displays of the tournament.
In the closing minute, Graversen nearly opened the scoring when her attempt inside the arc brushed the side netting. Moments later, a miscue during a power play led to Holder’s long-range conversion, but the Filipina5 immediately countered through the Graversen-to-Ramores sequence that sealed the 1–1 result.
Filipina5 head coach Rafa Merino, who coached the national team to maiden Asian Cup and World Cup appearance and a return to the Southeast Asian Games semis in 18 years, was delighted of the team’s growth in the past 14 months.
“I feel proud of my team, I feel proud of my player… I am happy because my players always do their best and for me it’s enough,” Merino lauded
Breakthrough for Philippine futsal
The Filipina5 finish third in Group B, closing their 2026 campaign with:
- 1–0 win vs Myanmar — the team’s first ASEAN Championship victory (goal by Inday Tolentin, 14′).
- 0–2 loss vs defending champions Vietnam — a closely contested match against the SEA Games gold medalists.
- 1–1 draw vs Australia — the Philippines’ first-ever result against a side that defeated them in the 2025 AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers in Uzbekistan.
This four-point finish marks a significant leap from their 2024 debut, where the Philippines ended the tournament in last place with only one point.
Rising trajectory
The 2026 ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship showcased a Philippine program rapidly gaining traction and respect across the region, continuing the momentum of the country’s hosting of the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup last year. With landmark wins, historic points, and a growing roster of standout performers, the Filipina5 have firmly positioned themselves as one of Asia’s most promising futsal teams.
PFF extends its congratulations to the players, coaching staff, and supporters who continue to uplift the women’s futsal program and inspire the next generation of Filipino athletes.
