PFF releases final squad for AFF Women’s Championships

In their official website, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) named the 20 ladies who will compete for flag and country for the 2016 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championships in Myanmar.

Here are the players:

Alquiros, Natasha Claudine          –                DF

Bugsch, Sidra Quinn                     –                MF

Cabalan, Jennizel                          –                MF

Castañeda, Sara Isobel                 –                MF

Cooke, Heather Marie                    –                FW

De los Reyes, Christina Marie       –                FW

De Ramos, Krystal Victoria            –                MF

Dolino, Alesa                                  –                DF

Dull, Patricia Nanette                      –                GK

Duran, Mary Cristine                       –                DF

Kreutz, Caitlyn Rose                        –               FW

Lim, Claire Elisabeth                        –               DF

Long, Hali Moriah                             –               DF

Manalansan, Monica Louise            –               DF

Navaja, Irish                                     –               MF

Palacios, Inna Kristianne                  –              GK

Parado, Hanna Malone                    –               MF

Salvacion, Shelby                             –               MF

Tomanon, Patricia                             –               DF

Wilson, Camille Angela                    –                MF

Only six women have been retained from last year’s lineup: Palacios, Dolino, Cabalan, Castañeda, Alquiros, and Parado. Former UAAP Best Midfielder Delos Reyes is back for national duty. The most notable returnee, however, is veteran Heather Cooke.

Letecia “Buda” Bautista will head the coaching staff, while former national team member Marielle Benitez and Girls U-16 head coach Joyce Landagan will assist Bautista. PFF Women’s Football Committee Chairperson, Lalaine Sarmiento, is the head of delegation, while Ernie Nierras acts as Technical Consultant.

The Nationals will start their campaign on July 26, which is also the start of the tournament. They will play powerhouse Thailand in their opening game at 4:30pm (Philippine time). All matches will be held at the Mandalarthiri Stadium.

The following is the rest of the Filipinas’ group phase schedule (All times, PHI time):

July 28 (Thursday) – vs Vietnam, 4:30pm

July 30 (Saturday) – vs Singapore, 7:30pm