23 called up for Round 2 of Women's Football Olympic Qualifiers

The senior women's national team

The fate of the Philippines as to whether they can make the next step onto the road towards the Olympics got a little more clearer on Monday, as the Philippine Football Federation revealed its 23-woman roster.

They managed to earn their spot in this round by finishing second on their group in first round qualifying, defeating Singapore, Tajikistan, and Mongolia before bowing to Chinese-Taipei in their final assignment.

The Philippines has a chance to avenge that loss back in November, as they face them on April 7 at 1am (Manila time). Before this, they face Iran on April 4, also at 1am (Manila time). They close out play against Palestine at midnight on April 10 (Manila time).

In announcing the roster, the PFF, through its General Secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes, shares, "We wish the Philippine Women’s National Football Team the best of luck as they embark on another round of Olympic Qualifiers in the Asian region. Women’s football has come a long way and we hope the team builds on this ahead of the upcoming 30th Southeast Asian Games this November."

The lineup is as follows:

Analou Amita
Mea Bernal
Sara Castaneda
Stacey Cavill
Alisha Del Campo
Alesa Dolino
Chelo Hodges
Patrice Impelido
Loreta Ladero
Mary Lam
Hali Long
Eva Madarang
Rocelle Mendano
Christina Montelibano
Irish Navaja
Hannah Pachejo
Inna Palacios
Kimberly Parina
Camille Rodriguez
Joyce Semacio
Calah Simarago
Tara Shelton
Patricia Tomanon

Thirteen members of the squad were on the team that finished second in Group A of the first round of Olympic Qualifiers, which was good enough to earn themselves a spot in the second round.

Among the ten newcomers, there are a couple who are making their return to the national team set-up, led by Simarago of Cal-Santa Barbara and Etang Ladero.

Marnelli Dimzon is the head coach, with Gerald Orcullo and Melo Sabacan acting as assistants.

The MVP Sports Foundation has provided some of the support for the Senior Women's National Team.

This is the first of at least three tournaments that these ladies are set to participate, with the AFF Women's Championship in August and the 30th Southeast Asian Games in November.