Hali Long (5) of the Philippines during their match against Thailand in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on July 17, 2022. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA -- Hali Long, the captain of the Philippine women's national football team and Kaya FC-Iloilo, will join BGC–College of Asian Scholars on loan for the preliminary stage of the 2025 AFC Women's Champions League.
Kaya FC confirmed the development on Saturday night.
The veteran defender will be part of the roster for the reigning Thai Women's League champions in Group B of the tournament's preliminary stage, where they will be up against Nasaf of Uzbekistan, APF of Nepal, and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia.
The matches will be played in Uzbekistan, with the group winner assured of a spot in the group stage.
Representing the Philippines in the AFC Women's Champions League is Stallion Laguna, after their triumph in the 2024 PFF Women's Cup. Stallion is in Group A with Myanmar's ISPE, Guam's Strykers FC, and Mongolia's Khovd Western FC.
"A fortress in defense and an influential leader on and off the pitch, Long's presence will be a significant boost to CAS as they prepare for continental competition," said Kaya FC in its statement.
"The club extends congratulations and best wishes to Hali as she takes on this challenge with their former rivals, and look forward to welcoming her back stronger than ever after the campaign," they added.
Kaya FC had represented the Philippines in the 2024 edition of the tournament, where they earned draws against Iran's Bam Khatoon and Thailand's College of Asian Scholars for the country's first points in Champions League football.
READ: After 'bittersweet' campaign in AWCL, Kaya's Hali Long eyes more progress
Kaya FC also wished Stallion Laguna "the best of luck on Asia's biggest stage."
College of Asian Scholars will open their campaign against Al Nassr on Monday.