Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 6) — After a historic AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign, the World Cup-bound Philippine women’s football team will see action in three more tournaments this year.
In a press conference on Sunday, Philippine Football Federation secretary-general Edwin Gastanes said the Filipina booters are lined up to compete in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam in May
The Alen Stajcic-coached squad will also get a chance to showcase their skills in front of fellow Filipinos as they will play in the ASEAN Football Federation Women’s Championship to be held in the Philippines in July.
Gastanes also announced the national women’s football team is slated to tangle with the continent’s best teams in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in September.
“We hope the virus will wane out towards these tournaments so that big preparations can be made by the coaching staff,” said Gastanes.
Team co-captain Hali Long said it is a must for the World Cup-bound Philippine side to tally a podium finish in their upcoming tournaments.
“Now we’ve accomplished this really high goal, we have to solidify that by accomplishing everything underneath like the smaller competitions,” said Long during the press conference. “It will prove that we actually deserve to be there.”
Goalkeeper Inna Palacios added that competing in the tournaments will further build their chemistry and skills ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in July 2023.
“Our goal right now is to keep staying on that level. Qualifying for the World Cup, we just opened a new door and that’s being a consistent team. That’s our goal, it should be consistent,” Palacios said.
Forward Sarina Bolden, who shot the World Cup-clinching goal in their penalty shootout quarterfinals win against Chinese Taipei, reflected on the team’s journey.
“A lot of people doubted us, but we came here. We fought every single game. And now, we are making a name for ourselves. Philippines, you’re gonna remember this team, and you’re going to see us in the World Cup. So don’t forget about us, because we’re coming back,” said Bolden after their semifinal loss to South Korea last Feb. 3.
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