The Philippine women’s football team kicked off their title defense in the ASEAN Women’s Championship on Thursday, facing Timor-Leste at Viet Tri Stadium in Vietnam.
Coach Mark Torcaso fielded a squad with seven new players as part of preparations for next year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Key players Sarina Bolden, Sara Eggesvik, Meryll Serrano, Angie Beard, and Jaclyn Sawicki were sidelined due to injuries or club commitments.
The Filipinas, led by Hali Long and the McDaniel sisters, are in Group B alongside Timor-Leste, Australia U-23, and Myanmar, aiming to finish in the top two to advance to the semifinals.
Meanwhile, Group A features Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia, with Thailand starting strong after a 7-0 win over Indonesia.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 7, 2025
