The Filipinas will also play South Korea and Myanmar in Group E action.
Eva Madarang reaffirmed her commitment to the national team as the Filipinas kick off their Asian Games on Friday.
Cut from the lineup in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Madarang is just glad to get another shot at donning the country’s colors, this time in the regional meet in Hangzhou, China.
“I wouldn’t say it’s like a redemption. I’ve been with the team for years. I’ve been cut before from a tournament,” she said in a press conference on Thursday.
“I’m committed to this team. Not getting chosen for a tournament is not gonna alter my decision of playing for the Philippines.”
The 25-year-old midfielder was left out of the lineup for the World Cup, but still expressed her support to her New Zealand-bound teammates.
“I’m proud of my teammates, friends, family for representing the Philippines at the world stage,” she said in a previous post on Instagram.
Now she gets to be with that group when Filipinas open their campaign against Hong Kong in Group E action at the Wenzhou Sports Center Stadium.
They will then play Korea and Myanmar on September 25 and 28, respectively.
“It feels really good. It’s been a couple of months. Seeing all my friends back this tournament, it’s really nice because we’re like a family here,” she said.
(GM)