Youth will take center stage for the Philippine men’s national football team when it begins its campaign in the inaugural ASEAN Hyundai Cup, after head coach Carles Cuadrat named a squad featuring several new faces alongside a core of experienced internationals.
With a number of regulars unavailable, the Philippines will rely on a younger roster as it aims to build on its semifinal finish in the 2024 edition of Southeast Asia’s premier men’s football tournament.
Among those receiving opportunities are forwards Raphael Ritarita, Andres Aldeguer, Aarran Long, and Martini Rey, goalkeeper Enrico Mangaoang, defenders Jaime Rosquillo and John Lucero, midfielder Gavin Muens, and overseas-based prospects Noah Leddel and Kenji Nishioka.
Ritarita, 19, arrives after playing for Crown Legacy in MLS Next Pro in the United States, while Mangaoang has been making his mark with UMAK-Aguilas in the local football scene.
Despite the influx of fresh talent, the squad will still lean on several familiar names.
Midfield playmaker Sandro Reyes headlines the returning core along with Javier Mariona, Jarvey Gayoso, Cole Mrowka, Andrei Leipold, and Santi Rublico.
The defense will be marshaled by veteran Daisuke Sato, with Christian Rontini, Adrian Ugelvik, Scott Woods, and Rosquillo providing additional cover at the back.
Pocholo Bugas and Oskari Kekkonen strengthen the midfield, while Patrick Deyto and Quincy Kammeraad give the Philippines experienced options in goal after Kammeraad’s impressive showing during the team’s 2024 semifinal run.
Several established national team players, however, will miss the tournament due to club commitments.
The Philippines opens its Group B campaign against Myanmar on July 28 at New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.
The Filipinos will then travel to Vientiane to face Laos on Aug. 1 before returning home to host group favorite Thailand on Aug. 4. They conclude the group stage on Aug. 8 against Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.
