THE PHILIPPINE Football Federation (PFF) hopes to keep the core of the girls’ Under-14 squad, runner-up in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Regional Championship, for future international tournaments.
With the AFC raising the age level of international youth competitions to under 15 next year, PFF president Mariano Araneta said they intend to develop and field the side of coach Joyce Landagan next year.
The Filipinos placed second behind powerhouse Thailand, losing 1-5 in the finals in Vientiane, Laos.
“We hope that the Laos competition is not the last tournament as you progress further in the age group level,” Araneta told the players at a press conference upon arrival last Tuesday.
The squad finished with three wins, a draw and a loss, duplicating the feat of the 2014 team in the same event.
In the semifinals, the PH side dumped Burma (Myanmar), 5-1.