MANILA – The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has unveiled the 14-woman Philippine team that will compete in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers from January 11 to 19 at the Yunusobod Sports Complex in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
In a press statement, the PFF said that the team comprises both local and international players that were carefully selected during the talent identification camp held from December 26 to 30, 2024, in Manila.
The PFF aims to build a highly competitive team ready to face top-tier opponents worldwide, including their upcoming Group C rivals: Kuwait, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Australia. The final squad has been training since January 2, 2025.
The roster includes Sheen Borres, Shelah Mae Cadag, Sara Castañeda, Judy Connolly, Alisha Del Campo, Isabella Flanigan, Cathrine Graversen, Katrina Guillou, Samantha Hughes, Rocelle Mendaño, Vrendelle Nuera, Regine Rebosora, Kayla Santiago, and Dionesa Tolentin.
The federation has also appointed a new head coach in Rafa Merino Rodriguez, who holds a UEFA Pro License (Level 3) and an FA Level 1 in Football (England).
“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,” said Merino.
The Asian Cup qualifiers will follow a centralized league format, with teams divided into four groups—three consisting of five teams and one comprising four.
The top two teams from each group, along with the best third-placed team overall, will advance to the finals in China later this year. The three podium finishers in the final round will secure their spots in the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup.
Notably, the Philippines has already earned automatic qualification for the World Cup, which will be hosted in the country from November 21 to December 7, 2025.
“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,” said PFF President John Gutierrez./PN
