PFF names Young Filipinas lineup for 2026 U17 Asian Cup qualifiers

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has announced the 23-player roster and coaching staff of the Philippine Women’s National Football Team under-17 squad (PWNFT U17), which will compete in the 2026 AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in Dushanbe, Tajikistan from Oct. 13 to 17.

“Our national U17 team is preparing intensely to achieve the goal of qualifying for a second consecutive Asian Cup,” said PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez.

“The PFF stands with them and will continue to support the team throughout the campaign,” he added.

The Young Filipinas are set to face Syria on Oct. 13 at 5 p.m., Tajikistan on Oct. 15 at 8 p.m., and Malaysia on Oct. 17 at 5 p.m. (Philippine time) at the Pamis Stadium in Dushanbe.

The 23-player lineup includes Maela Angela Javier, Leah Parker Bradley, Louraine Harvey Evangelista, Aiselyn Marie Sia, Brooke Anika Solis, Richelle Kaye Matondo, Luna Catalina Rivera, Jilliana Winstelle Dagpin, Carlene Marie Isabella Dy, Andrean Marguerite Bautista, Sofhia Muros, Ashly Daniela Hughes, Aryana Nadine Capsa, Ellie De Leon, Chiara Angelina Mizzo, Kaida Elizabeth Mizzo, Lauren Marie Taylor Tiangco, Martina Horn, Ariana Enderes, Audrey Reese Jamaila Alviar, Candice Salas, Yurika Amor Valdevieso, and Sonia Beatrix del Rosario.

Heading the coaching staff is Pradhyum Reddy of Scotland, one of Indian football’s most experienced and forward-thinking figures, known for combining European tactical principles with a deep understanding of Asian football development.

Reddy has served as coach, technical director, and CEO for major Indian clubs such as Bengaluru, Delhi Dynamos, and Dempo, while also earning recognition as a football analyst and pundit.

He brings more than two decades of experience promoting structured youth development, talent scouting, and process-driven team building, which he now aims to apply to the Philippine women’s program.

Supporting Reddy are assistant coaches Surinder Singh of India and James Sasiadek of the United States, goalkeeping coach Ali Uzunhasanoglu of England and Turkey, and team manager Selu Lozano of the Philippines.

Singh, a highly respected youth coach in India, holds an AFC Pro License and has developed several players for the Indian national team.

Sasiadek is the founder and president of Hawai‘i Soccer Academy, where he has established structured player pathways and partnerships to expand global opportunities for young athletes.

Uzunhasanoglu, currently the first-team goalkeeping coach for Peterborough United in England, blends Turkish and English coaching methods to develop technically skilled and mentally resilient goalkeepers.

Team manager Lozano, president of Makati Football Club, is known for his holistic approach to player development, emphasizing technical mastery, character formation, and international exposure.

The Young Filipinas aim to secure a berth in the 2026 AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup, which will be held in China in May 2026.

In the 2024 AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup in Indonesia, the Philippines came close to reaching the semifinals and a potential World Cup slot, highlighted by a 6-1 victory over Indonesia and a 1-1 draw against powerhouse South Korea.

The upcoming qualifiers present another opportunity for the team to build on that success and continue raising the profile of Philippine women’s football on the Asian stage.