The Philippine women's national futsal team suffered a 3-2 defeat to Morocco in their second group A match at the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup on Monday night in Pasig City. Despite an early 2-0 lead, the Filipina5 could not hold off Morocco's comeback, sealing an early exit from the tournament. The loss leaves Philippines with a 0-0-2 record and a -7 goal difference.
The match took place at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, Philippines. The Filipina5 started strongly, with Inday Tolentin scoring the Philippines' first-ever goal in the Futsal World Cup in the fourth minute. Three minutes later, Cathrine Graversen doubled the lead, assisted by Isabella Bandoja.
Morocco responded quickly. Nadia Laftah pulled one back in the 10th minute after scrambling against Katrina Guillou. Coach Rafa Merino called a timeout, but Morocco maintained possession. Siiham Tadlooui equalized with an assist from Chaymaa Mourtaji, and Jasmine Demraoui gave Morocco the lead three minutes before halftime, assisted by Meryem Hajiri.
In the second half, the Philippines improved, creating multiple shots on target and appearing poised for a comeback. However, Morocco held firm to secure the 3-2 victory.
Merino reflected post-match: “Scoring that fast in the beginning, the two goals were not in our game plan. We didn’t know that was going to happen early. I feel like we were kind of not ready for it in an emotional way or level. So, it affected the players and made them a little bit emotional in a positive way. But it affected the game.”
The result eliminated Philippines from advancing, as even a large win against Argentina would not overcome their -7 goal difference. Group A standings show Argentina at 2-0-0 with +7 GD after a 6-0 win over Morocco and 3-2 over Poland. Poland sits second at 1-0-1 with +5 GD, while Morocco improves to 1-0-1.
Upcoming: Poland faces Morocco on Thursday, followed by Philippines against Argentina to close group play. Only the top two teams advance.
