FILIPINA5 Named for Asian Cup Futsal Debut

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has officially unveiled the 14-player roster and the new team moniker “FILIPINA5” for the Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team as they gear up for the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup Finals in Hohhot, China, from May 6 to 18.

The introduction of the name FILIPINA5 symbolizes the team’s national identity and unity as they step onto the continental futsal stage.

This year’s Asian Cup serves as the qualifying tournament for the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, but the Philippines has already secured its place as the host nation.

Despite automatic qualification, Head Coach Rafa Merino Rodriguez emphasized the importance of the Asian Cup in building momentum.

“We have assembled a talented, competitive, and dedicated group of players who are eager to compete at the highest level in Asia,” Rodriguez said. “This tournament is a crucial step in our preparation for the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, and we are confident that the team will give their absolute best in every match.”

The 14 players named to the FILIPINA5 squad are Rocelle Maria Mendaño, Dionesa Tolentin, Alisha Del Campo, Regine Rebosura, Samantha Jane Hughes, Isabella Victoria Flanigan, Judy Lyn Connolly, Cathrine Graversen, Kayla Maureen Santiago, Vrendelle Nuera, Hazel Lustan, Charisa Marie Lemoran, Isabella Bandoja, and Lanie Ortillo.

PFF President John Gutierrez voiced full support for the team’s Asian campaign, praising their work ethic and determination despite their secured World Cup berth.

“We are incredibly proud of the progress of our Women’s National Futsal Team,” Gutierrez said. “Although the team has already qualified for the World Cup, they have still been working really hard and are determined to prove that they too, are deserving to compete on the international stage.”

Gutierrez also highlighted the team’s participation in the Asian Cup as a milestone in the sport’s growth in the Philippines and expressed optimism in their potential.

The Philippines, ranked 55th in the world, will compete in Group B alongside world number nine Iran, Southeast Asian champion Vietnam (ranked 11th), and 29th-ranked Hong Kong, China.

Iran enters the tournament as the only two-time Asian champion, having won the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup titles in 2015 and 2018 and securing six international gold medals.

Vietnam, meanwhile, holds the 2024 ASEAN title after winning the regional championship hosted in Pasig, while Hong Kong has been a mainstay in both previous Asian Cups.

The FILIPINA5 are considered underdogs in their group but are eager to challenge expectations in their tournament opener against Iran on May 7 at 11 a.m. (Philippine time).

They will face Vietnam on May 9 and close the group stage against Hong Kong, China on May 11, both at the same kickoff time.