Philippines reveals squad for AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup qualifying

c/o Philippine Football Federation

Amidst the backdrop of recent developments involving the women's futsal team, the Philippine Football Federation has called up fourteen players for the upcoming AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers.

Set to take place from January 11-19 at the Yunusobod Sports Complex in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the Philippines will tangle with Kuwait, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Australia in Group C of the tournament. Finishing in the top two of the group secures a spot in the finals proper, which is to take place this May in China.

Three spots to the inaugural edition of the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup are at stake, with the Philippines already earmarked a spot as the host of the competition set to be held in November.

To assemble the team, the PFF held a camp last December 26-30 in Manila, supplemented by training earlier this week.

Leading the way are a few holdovers from the team that participated in the ASEAN Women's Futsal Championship late last year: Shai del Campo, Cathrine Graversen, Samantha Hughes, Vrendelle Nuera, and Kayla Santiago.

This is supplemented by recent Filipinas call-ups Shelah Cadag, Sara Castaneda, Bella Flanigan, Katrina Guillou, and Dionesa Tolentin.

Completing the team are Judy Connolly, Rocelle Mendaño, Nicole Ramores, and Regine Rebosura.

Acting as the head coach is Rafa Merino Rodriguez. The Barcelona-born coach holds a UEFA Pro License (Level 3) and an FA Level 1 in Football (England). He also possesses expertise in sports coaching, earned at Florida Universitaria in Valencia, Spain. Merino has managed several first-division futsal clubs, including Pescados Rubén Burela FS and Barcelona's Esportiu Rubí FS.

In being named as the gaffer, the Spaniard shares, "I am honored to be appointed as the new head coach of the Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team. I look forward to working with these players to build a competitive, unified squad ready to excel in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. We are focused on achieving success in the upcoming tournament."

With a spot already assured in the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup, the federation has been doing its part to reflect readiness in the competition. The participation of the team formerly known as the Pinay 5 in Asian Cup qualifying is a key step to gauge their play after their ASEAN campaign.

PFF President John Gutierrez says, "The Asian Cup Qualifiers will be a pivotal moment for our women’s futsal national team, as their performance here will set the tone for our campaign in the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup."

He adds, "In terms of our preparation, I couldn’t be happier with this team we built, headed by our new head coach, Rafa Merino. I think we’ve assembled the best players we can, dedicated players to play for the country and nothing else. As far as preparation goes, I am very optimistic."

Gutierrez concludes, "More than just the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, we would also like to make our mark in the entire Asian Region. That is why we are treating this AFC Women’s Futsal qualifier very seriously by fielding the strongest team possible."

The federation is dedicated to ensuring the successful participation of its Women’s National Futsal Team at the inaugural event, an important milestone that will elevate Philippine futsal on the global stage and inspire thousands of aspiring futsal players in the country.

In addition, they also shared that FIFA has accepted PhilSports Arena and the Victorias City Coliseum in Negros Occidental as venues for the Futsal World Cup.

The Philippines will face Kuwait in their opening match on January 11, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. (PHT), with the remaining matches as follows.

• January 13, 2025 – Philippines vs. Uzbekistan | Monday, 6:00 PM

• January 15, 2025 – Philippines vs. Turkmenistan | Wednesday, 6:00 PM

• January 19, 2025 – Philippines vs. Australia | Sunday, 6:00 PM