A well-built team known as the Filipina5 will compete for the Philippines in the 2025 Asian Football Confederation Women’s Futsal Asian Cup.
Philippine Football Federation president John Gutierrez said this ahead of the national squad’s departure.
“This is a stronger team. They are ready to embark in an historic competition, the AFC championship,” said Gutierrez before the Filipina5 travelled to Hothot, China.
The Filipina5 is in Group B with world no. 9 Iran, 11th Vietnam, and 29th Hong Kong, China.
Coached by Spanish mentor Rafa Merino, the Filipina5 side was re-formed and will have Rocelle Maria Mendaño, Dionesa Tolentin, Alisha Del Campo, Regine Rebosura, and Samantha Jane Hughes in the roster.
Their names were mentioned when the PFF announced the official 14-player roster of the Filipina5 during a presentation at the Studio 300 sports bar inside the Pioneer Center in Mandaluyong.
The rest of the team includes Isabella Victoria Flanigan, Judy Lynn Connolly, Cathrine Graversen, Kayla Maureen Santiago, Vrendelle Nuera, Hazel Lustan, Charisa Marie Lemoran, Isabella Bandoja and Lanie Ortillo.
The new moniker of the team represents national pride and unity as they see action in the international stage, according to officials.
The tournament also serves as the Asian qualifier for the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup.
The Philippines has already secured a spot in the World Cup as the host nation, but the Filipina5 will be in China to showcase their talent and compete fiercely against Asia’s best teams.
