Filipino-French Katrina Guillou is set to make her Philippine Women’s National Football Team debut come the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup which takes place from January 20 – February 6 in India.
Guillou, 28, is a product of UNC Wilmington. The midfielder is currently playing for Swedish topflight team Piteå IF.
Also debuting for the Philippines are Kiara Fontanilla of Eastern Oregon University, Dominique Randle of University of Southern California, and Isabel Flanigan.
Photo from PWNFT
Promoted to the seniors’ team are Keanne Alamo and Carleigh Frilles, who played for the Philippines in the Under-16 and Under-14 levels previously.
“I’ve got a lot of hope and a lot of belief that we can actually achieve the goal,” said coach Alen Stajcic.
“The players are all aligned and driven to succeed as one and that’s what we have to do to give ourselves every possible chance of getting one of those spots for the World Cup.”
Midfielder Tahnai Annis was named the skipper for this campaign and she is assisted by her co-captain Hali Long. Other notable returnees include Inna Palacios, Sara Castaneda, and Cam Rodriguez alongside the likes of Chandler McDaniel, Tara Shelton, and Sofia Harrison.
Photo from Harry Bugarin
The country’s two exports in the Japan WE.League, Quinley Quezada of Chiba and Sarina Bolden of Saitama, will bolster the team with Eva Madadarang of Roma back as well. Ryley Bugay, Morgan Brown, Malea Cesar, Jessica Miclat, Anicka Castaneda, and Olivia McDaniel cap off the rest of the squad.
Photo from PWNFT
The team prepared for this competition in California from November until this month.
Stajcic is assisted by assistant coach Nahuel Arrarte, goalkeeping coach Ludovic Antunes, fitness coach Luca Tonetti, and former national team player Patrice Impelido.
The Filipinas will face off against Thailand on January 21, Australia on January 24, and Indonesia on January 27. The first two matches shall be held in Mumbai while the final one will be in Pune.
