RP girls face Guam in U-13 AFC football

The real test for Philippines’ Under-13 girls football team begins today as the squad faces Guam, North Korea and China for their first three assignments in the AFC Under-13 Girls Football Festival in Vietnam.

With the team is Bacoleña Irish Navaja, who was tapped by the Philippine Football Federation to join the national team.

Divided into two teams, RP Team 1 will play against Guam 1 in the 8:30 match, followed by the game between RP Team 2 and North Korea at 10:30 a.m.

All games will be played at the Thanh Long Stadium, with the RP Team 1 will clashing against China 1 in today’s last game set at 4:10 p.m.

Tomorrow, another grueling day awaits the Filipinas as RP Team 2 will play against Chinese Taipei in the first game at 8:40 a.m., while RP Team 1 will test the mettle of Myanmar in the second game at 10 a.m.

In the afternoon games, RP Team 2 is pitted against Australia 2 while the RP Team 1 will try to get past South Korea in the last game at 5:30 p.m.

The two teams from the Philippines were composed of young footballers who were scouted by the PFF during age-group tournaments held in Manila, Davao, and Negros.

Other members of the team are Michaela Celine Adriano, Cassandra Alleje, Shannon Arthur, Janna Raizel Barcemo, Martie Cinelle Bautista, Justine Joyce Dabalos, Nicole Jane Dadale, Louise Gabrielle Del Fierro, Anna Beatrice Delos Reyes;

Ma. Pamela Denise Diaz, Karissa Mariel Enriquez, Gabby Therese Esguerra, Ma. Carmela Gaviola, Charisa Marie Lemoran, Kristiana Ciara Pickering, February Gae Saluria, Janice Samillano, Edniela May Sijub, Ma. Beatrice Isobel Velasco, Clarizze Andrea Wee, and Nina Ricci Yanto.

The team is mentored by Josephine Loren with Regine Delos Reyes as assistant coach. Robert Manlulo acts as team consultant while Rafael Lizares Jr. of the Bacolod City-based Executive Village Football Club is the team manager.*NAB

Visayan Daily Star