NOTHING changes for the Filipinas — the Philippine women’s national football team — even with the absence of a few key players for next week’s 2025 AFC Women’s Asia Cup qualifiers.
After revealing their 26-player squad for the Asia Cup qualifiers, fans quickly noticed the absence of Sarina Bolden, Katrina Guillou, and Reina Bonta from the list, which are key to the team’s recent success.
Bolden, the country’s all-time leading scorer with 31 international goals — including the historic winner against New Zealand — is a major name missing, while Guillou has contributed significantly with 13 goals in 41 caps.
These players are unavailable due to injuries or unavailability, not due to coaching decisions. Still, head coach Mark Torcaso acknowledges the concerns but remains optimistic about their campaign.
No Cause for Alarm
The squad remains formidable, led by standout veterans from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup such as Hali Long, Sara Eggesvik, Olivia McDaniel, and Angie Beard.
“We are confident in every player in our pool and we are excited by the 26 that will battle it out for us to get to the Asian Cup,” Torcaso said, while confidently claiming how balanced the team is still.
“I believe it’s well-balanced and provides quality in every area of the pitch. It’s also great to see some of our strong young players that have progressed and developed over the years join some of our World Cup superstars,” he added.
Aside from the seasoned players, the young talents named are Nina Mathelus, Gabrielle Baker, Alexa Pino, Ava Villapando, and Chayse Ying, all of whom were called up after impressive performances.
Laban Pilipinas!
The Philippines is placed in Group G of the qualifiers, joining world No. 80 Hong Kong, No. 118 Cambodia, and No. 165 Saudi Arabia. At No. 41 in the latest FIFA rankings, the Filipinas are the highest-ranked team in their group.
“We are looking forward to Cambodia and we can’t wait to get out there and perform for all our fans at home and abroad,” the Australian football tactician said.
Ahead of next week’s competition, the women’s national football team is set to take on Saudi Arabia on June 29, followed by Cambodia on July 2, and finally, Hong Kong on July 5.
Only the top team from each of the eight groups will qualify for next year’s Women’s Asian Cup, where they’ll meet host nation Australia, reigning champions China, 2022 runners-up South Korea, and third-placed Japan from the same year.
