The Philippine Women's National Football team plays a friendly match at the newly-opened MOA Football Pitch in Pasay City on February 25, 2025. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA -- Veterans of the team that competed in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 will once again carry the fight for the Philippines in the AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers.
Head coach Mark Torcaso on Friday named the 26-player roster for the matches that will be held starting June 29.
Leading the way for the Philippine women's national football team are Olivia McDaniel, Angie Beard, Hali Long, Quinley Quezada and Jaclyn Sawicki -- all of whom were crucial contributors to the squad that played in the World Cup in 2023.
However, notably missing from the list are Katrina Guillou and Sarina Bolden -- the scorer of the Filipinas' lone goal against co-host New Zealand two years ago.
READ: Sarina Bolden still uncertain for Asian Cup qualifiers due to injury
Both players also missed out on recent training camps and friendlies due to injuries.
The full squad is as follows:
GOALKEEPERS
Gabrielle Baker
Olivia McDaniel
Nina Meollo
Inna Palacios
DEFENDERS
Angela Beard
Malea Cesar
Rhea Chan
Jessika Cowart
Janae Defazio
Hali Long
Katana Norman
Sofia Wunsch
MIDFIELDERS
Sara Eggesvik
Kaya Hawkinson
Charisa Lemoran
Isabella Pasion
Alexa Pino
Quinley Quezada
Jaclyn Sawicki
Ava Villapando
FORWARDS
Carleigh Frilles
Nina Mathelus
Chandler McDaniel
Meryll Serrano
Dionesa Tolentin
Chayse Ying
The Filipinas will open their campaign on June 29 against Saudi Arabia, a team that is participating in the qualifiers for the first time.
They will then play hosts Cambodia on July 2, and wrap up their schedule against Hong Kong on July 5.
Only the winners of the eight groups will advance to next year's Women's Asian Cup, where they will join hosts Australia, defending champions China, 2022 runners-up South Korea, and 2022 third-placer Japan.
The Philippines reached the semis of the 2022 tournament in India, where they lost to South Korea, 2-0.