FILE — Philippine women’s football team. PHOTO/Asian Football Confederation
MANILA, Philippines—Mainstays in goalkeeper Inna Palacios and defender Hali Long will banner the Philippine team in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup set from January 20 to February 6 in India.
Aside from Palacios and Long, who have made 47 and 41 appearances for the Philippines, respectively, other veterans include midfielders Sara Castañeda and Camille Rodriguez.
Quinley Quezada, Eva Madarang, Anicka Castaneda, Sarina Bolden, Jessica Miclat and skipper Tahnai Annis are also back.
23 strong.
Here is the @PilipinasWNFT 🇵🇭lineup that will compete in the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 for a slot in the FIFA Women's World Cup!
READ: https://t.co/B14igfKjTj#PFF#PHIWNT#WomensFootball#RememberTheGoal#WAC2022#LabanFilipinas#ParaSaBayan pic.twitter.com/fdwltN1207
— The Philippine Football Federation (@philfootball) January 11, 2022
Meanwhile, seven newcomers in Malaea Louise Cesar, Dominique Randle, Isabella Flanigan, Carleigh Frilles, Keanna Alamo, Katrina Quillou and Kiara Fontanilla make up the team which will be under the guidance of Australian mentor Alen Stajcic.
Stajcic, who replaced Marlon Maro at the helm, will be tasked to steer the Philippines to a first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.
Completing the 23-woman squad are Tara Shelton, Chandler Mcdaniel, Kristen Ryley Bugay, Morgan Brown, Sofia Harrison and Olivia Mcdaniel.
The Philippines are in Group B along with Australia, Thailand and Indonesia.
The top two teams in each group plus the two best third placers advance to the knockout stage.
The tournament dangles five slots to the 2023 Womens’ World Cup.