Filipinas midfielder Katrina Guillou banners the Philippine women's national futsal team set to compete in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup.
The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) officially announced the 14-woman roster that will represent the country in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
The tournament will run from January 11 to 19, 2025, at the Yunusobod Sports Complex in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The roster, composed of both local and international talents, was finalized following a talent identification camp held from December 26 to 30, 2024, in Manila.
The team has been training intensively since January 2, as they prepare to face their Group C opponents in Kuwait, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Australia.
The players selected for the squad are: Sheen Borres, Shelah Mae Cadag, Sara Castañeda, Judy Connolly, Alisha Del Campo, Isabella Flanigan, Cathrine Graversen, Katrina Guillou, Samantha Hughes, Rocelle Mendaño, Vrendelle Nuera, Regine Rebosora, Kayla Santiago, and Dionesa Tolentin.
In addition, the PFF has appointed Barcelona-born coach Rafa Merino Rodriguez as the team’s new head coach.
Merino, who holds a UEFA Pro License and an FA Level 1 coaching certification, brings extensive experience from managing first-division futsal clubs, such as Pescados Rubén Burela FS and Esportiu Rubí FS in Spain.
He also has a background in sports coaching from Florida Universitaria in Valencia.
“I am honored to be appointed as the new head coach of the Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team. I look forward to working with these players to build a competitive, unified squad ready to excel in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. We are focused on achieving success in the upcoming tournament,” said Merino.
The Asian Cup Qualifiers will feature a centralized league format, with teams divided into four groups.
The top two teams from each group, along with the best third-placed team overall, will advance to the final stage in China later this year. The top three teams in the finals will secure spots in the inaugural FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup.
Notably, the Philippines has already qualified for the World Cup as the host nation. The tournament will take place from November 21 to December 7, 2025, marking a historic milestone for Philippine futsal.
“The Asian Cup Qualifiers will be a pivotal moment for our women’s futsal national team, as their performance here will set the tone for our campaign in the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup,” said PFF President John Gutierrez.
Gutierrez likewise expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and praised the leadership of Merino.
“In terms of our preparation, I couldn’t be happier with this team we built, headed by our new head coach, Rafa Merino. I think we’ve assembled the best players we can, dedicated players to play for the country and nothing else. As far as preparation goes, I am very optimistic,” the PFF President said.
“More than just the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, we would also like to make our mark in the entire Asian Region. That is why we are treating this AFC Women’s Futsal qualifier very seriously by fielding the strongest team possible,” he added.
The Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team will open their campaign against Kuwait on January 11, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. Philippine time.