Members of the Philippine Women’s National Team arrived in two batches last Friday and Saturday following their historic AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 campaign, which saw them qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in dramatic fashion.
Coached by Australian Alen Stajcic, the team collected three wins during their run in the competition, against Thailand and Indonesia in the group stages and Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinals, where their 4-3 penalty shoot out win allowed the Philippines to qualify for the World Cup for the very first time. Moreover, the team made a good account of themselves against Asian powerhouses Australia and Korea Republic.
Among the players that arrived Friday evening were team captain Tahnai Annis, vice captain Hali Long, goalkeepers Olivia McDaniel and Kiara Fontanilla, defenders Malea Cesar, Eva Madarang, and Tara Shelton, midfielders Katrina Guillou and Carleigh Frilles, and forward Chandler McDaniel.
Goalkeeper Inna Palacios, and midfielders Camille Rodriguez, Anicka and Sara Castañeda, together with the members of the coaching staff, arrived Saturday afternoon and were given a fitting heroes welcome.
The PWNT is supported by team manager Jefferson Cheng, Philippine Sports Commission, and MVP Sports Foundation.