TASHKEN, Jan 12: The Kuwaiti women's futsal team lost 1-4 to the Philippines in the opening match of the third group stage of the qualifiers for the 2025 Asian Futsal Cup, held in Uzbekistan. Shurooq Basha scored Kuwait's only goal in the match.

Kuwait remains in fourth place in the group, with no points, trailing behind host Uzbekistan in third, the Philippines in second, and Australia in the lead. Australia secured a dominant 6-1 victory over Turkmenistan, which is at the bottom of the group.

In the second round, Kuwait will face Australia today at 4:00 PM.

Arab teams faced challenges on the opening day of the tournament. In the first group, held in Nonthaburi, Thailand, two Arab matchups ended in 1-1 draws: Bahrain against Lebanon and Iraq against Palestine.

The qualifiers will run until January 19, with nine teams advancing to the finals. The top three teams will secure spots in the first-ever 2025 Women's Futsal World Cup, which will be hosted by the Philippines.