PFF launches 14-woman Filipina5 for Asian Futsal Championship

May 1 ------ The Philippine Football Federation has unveiled the 14-player roster of the Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team set to represent the country in the upcoming AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup Finals 2025, happening from May 6 to 18 at the Hohhot Sports Centre in Hohhot, China. 

In a significant move to rally support and national pride, the team will now be known as Filipina5—a moniker that encapsulates the squad’s unity, identity, and commitment as they step onto Asia’s biggest futsal stage. Despite already securing a slot in the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup as the host nation, Filipina5 will be competing with a strong desire to measure themselves against the best in Asia and to sharpen their skills ahead of the global showpiece. “We have assembled a talented, competitive, and dedicated group of players who are eager to compete at the highest level in Asia,” said head coach Rafa Merino Rodriguez. 

The 14 women selected to don the national colors and take on the Asian continent are: Rocelle Mendaño, Dionesa Tolentin, Alisha Del Campo, Regine Rebosura, Samantha Hughes, Isabella Flanigan, Judy Lyn Connolly, Cathrine Graversen, Kayla Santiago, Vrendelle Nuera, Hazel Lustan, Charisa Lemoran, Isabella Bandoja, and Lanie Ortillo. PFF President John Gutierrez also commended the hard work and dedication of the squad, emphasizing how the AFC tournament represents more than just preparation—it’s a statement. “We are incredibly proud of the progress of our Women’s National Futsal Team,” Gutierrez shared. 

Placed in Group B of the tournament, the Filipina5 will be facing a steep climb as the lowest seed in the group. Ranked 55th in the world, Filipina5 will battle futsal giants such as world no. 9 Iran—two-time champions of the tournament, 11th-ranked Vietnam—the reigning Southeast Asian titleholders who clinched the ASEAN crown in Pasig, and 29th-ranked Hong Kong, China veterans of the previous two Asian Cup editions. 

The team’s fixtures are set, with all matches kicking off at 11:00 a.m. local time in both Hohhot and the Philippines: they will face Iran on May 7, Vietnam on May 9, and Hong Kong, China on May 11. The PFF also extended its gratitude to the organizations that have played a pivotal role in supporting the team’s journey, namely Mama Sitas, Christ’s Commission Fellowship, and the University of Asia & the Pacific, all of whom contributed to the national team’s recent training camp. 

Source: tiebreakertimes.com.ph