The U20 Philippine Men’s National Football Team, composed of 24 players from the Philippines and other parts of the world, is now in Thailand for the AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifier 2024 to be held from September 21-29, 2024 in Buriram, Thailand.
The mentors of the team are Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Technical Director Josep Maria “Coco” Ferre who is the head coach; and assistant coaches Sergio Mascarell, Tomasito Glenn Ramos and Bryan Capistrano, and goalkeeping coach Juan Drets. The delegation is headed by PFF Director of Football Vince Santos.
The team spent weeks of training at the Rizal Memorial Stadium before flying out last September 16 to Hua Hin, Thailand, for a training camp to be held until September 22. As part of the camp, the U20 PMNT had a friendly game against Suphanburi T2 that resulted in a draw, 2-2.
The Philippines is in Group H with Iraq, Thailand and Brunei Darussalam.
“The Federation has decided to keep the core of the ASEAN U19 squad from last July since they have won against Timor-Leste for the very first time in this age group and they have a better understanding of Coach Ferre’s system,” said PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez.
“But still, PFF continues to strengthen our youth national teams through a fair tryout and selection process, and more opportunities for training. We have recruited key additions to our U19 squad who will add more depth. But it has to be underscored that the team will cap its preparation with a week-long training camp in Thailand, signifying our serious intent to qualify for the U20 Asian Cup,” Gutierrez continued.
The squad members come from teams and clubs from Spain, USA, Philippines, Australia, Germany, Canada, Russia, Turkey, Italy and the UK.
“We wish this PH U20 squad the best. Soar to greater heights and make our country proud in Thailand,” Gutierrez ended.
GOALKEEPERS:
1. Cesar Iñigo III Alonso Castro– Odisea FC (Spain)
2. Luc Richard Sino-Cruz Narido- Breakers FC (USA)
3. Edcel James Sadra Lauron – University of Santo Tomas (NCRFA)
FIELD PLAYERS
1. Alexander Caleb Pahud Santos – Odisea FC (Spain)
2. Martin Joshua Leonor Merino – Alicante City FC (Spain)
3. Bryan Ezekiel Villanueva – Tuloy FC (NCRFA)
4. Manolo Concepcion Veneracion – Tuloy FC (NCRFA)
5. Jian Vinz Solomon Caraig – Perth Glory FC (Australia)
6. Miguel Javier Manolo Abrera Bengson – Ateneo de Manila University (NCRFA)
7. Jhon Henson Tubada Diaz – Tuloy FC (NCRFA)
8. Sylver Edson Bravo Pormento – San Beda University (NCRFA)
9. Cyrelle James Medez Saut – Tuloy FC (NCRFA)
10. Rodrigo III Palencia Mariñas – University of Santo Tomas (NCRFA)
11. Otu Abang Banatao – DC United Academy (USA)
12. John Allen Orteza Koyama – FC 08 Homnurg (Germany)
13. Alexander John Agius Sabatin – Signa CF (Canada)
14. Elijah Rocket Toroc Ritarita – Charlotte FC (USA)
15. Timofey Kristian Abenoya – Russia
16. Dustin Davebrim Dingil Ogur – Gaziantep FK (Turkey)
17. Bacchus Dwyn Pinaroc Ekberg – La Salle Zobel (NCRFA)
18. Bryan Casalla Bandara Manamperi – Italy
19. Ethan Lee Groves Smith – Notts County (UK)
20. John Levis Rito Sajor – Tuloy FC (NCRFA)
21. Yuan Angelo Arnado Maniscan – University of Santo Tomas (NCRFA)
MATCH SCHEDULE
25 September 2024 (Wednesday) at Buriram City Stadium Buriram
Thailand vs. Philippines
7:30 pm
27 September 2024 (Friday) at Buriram City Stadium Buriram
Philippines vs. Iraq
3:30 pm
29 September 2024 (Sunday) at Buriram City Stadium Buriram
Philippines vs. Brunei Darussalam
3:30 pm
