SYDNEY – The stage is set for the 23 players who will represent the Philippines in its historic FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance in New Zealand.
Coach Alen Stajcic named his final roster last Sunday with captain Tahnai Annis and co-captain Hali Long leading the Filipinas in their debut in the biggest women’s football tournament in the world.
The announcement comes after the Filipinas wrapped up their four-week camp in Sydney.
The team leaves for New Zealand on Monday morning to continue their final preparations with the first match against Switzerland set on July 21 in Dunedin.
The Filipinas face New Zealand on July 25 in Wellington, before ending their Group A campaign against Norway on July 30 in Auckland.
The Filipinas will hold their team base camp in Auckland during the tournament.
“We congratulate the 23 players who were selected for the Philippines in the FIFA Women’s World Cup and express our gratitude to the players who have committed and sacrificed to make themselves available throughout the selection process,” said PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said.
“We wish our team all the best as they head to New Zealand for the final days of their preparation, before the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” said PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes.
“The next weeks will be the culmination of a year and a half of hard work, dedication and sacrifice by every member of our Team,” said team manager Jefferson Cheng. “This group of 23 represents the best of us, the best of the indomitable Filipino spirit, and I am excited to see them make all of us even prouder.”
FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2023™ AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
PHILIPPINE WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM FINAL ROSTER OF PLAYERS
Goalkeepers: Kiara Fontanilla,Kaiya Jota, Olivia McDaniel
Defenders: Alicia Barker,Angela Beard, Reina Bonta,Malea Cesar, Jessika Cowart, Sofia Harrison, Hali Long, Dominique Randle
Midfielders: Tahnai Annis, Ryley Bugay,Anicka Castañeda, Sara Eggesvik, Quinley Quezada,Jaclyn Sawicki
Forwards: Sarina Bolden,Isabella Flanigan, Carleigh Frilles, Katrina Guillou, Chandler McDaniel,Meryll Serrano
Reserves: Inna Palacios,Maya Alcantara, Isabella Pasion