30 December 2022

Philippine Women’s U20 And U17 Tryouts To Start January 2023

 The Philippine Women’s Under-20 and Under-17 national teams are set to conduct talent identification sessions this coming January 2023.

The tryout sessions mark the start of both team’s preparations for several international competitions scheduled for 2023.

The first tryout sessions will be in the United States from 20-22 January 2023 followed by tryout sessions in the Philippines in the later part of January 2023.

The PHI Women’s U20 National Team will be competing in the following competitions: AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2024 Qualifiers Round 1 on 04-12 March 2023 in Laos and Round 2 on 03-11 June 2023, and the AFF U19 Women’s Championship on 01-19 July 2023 in Indonesia.

Similarly, the PHI Women’s U17 National Team will compete in the JENESYS Football Tournament on 16-24 March 2023 in Japan, the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2024 Qualifiers Round 1 on 22-30 April 2023 in Guam, and Round 2 on 16-24 September, and the AFF U16 Girls’ Championship 2023 on 01-19 August 2023 in Indonesia.

PFF is looking for female players born on the following age categories to be part of the U20 and U17 women’s national teams:

https://pff.org.ph/2022/12/30/philippine-womens-u20-and-u17-tryouts-to-start-january-2023/



28 December 2022

Football: Sarina Bolden leaves AS Elfen, to join Australian club

 MANILA, Philippines -- Filipinas striker Sarina Bolden is leaving WE League side Chifure AS Elfen Saitama and transferring to an A-League Women club, it was announced on Wednesday.

AS Elfen said on its website that they have terminated Bolden's contract "by mutual agreement." 

Bolden, who was instrumental in the Philippine women's national team's historic campaigns in 2022, is set to transfer to the Western Sydney Wanderers FC of the A-League Women.

She becomes the second member of the Filipinas to play in Australia, joining midfielder Jaclyn Sawicki who signed with the Western United FC in August.

In comments provided by the Japanese club, Bolden expressed her gratitude to AS Elfen for the experience of playing in the pioneering WE League.

"I am sincerely grateful. To all the coaching staff who have spent countless hours making sure the team is in top shape, who are still working hard to make it a great season, and to the staff working behind the scenes to make sure things run smoothly. I am grateful," said Bolden. 

"I am proud to be part of this club and call myself an Elfen team member. I believe that Elfen will continue to grow and become a club that does its best," she added.

Bolden made four appearances for AS Elfen in the 2022-23 season of the WE League.

She has 17 goals in 29 caps for the Philippines, and converted the historic penalty kick that secured the Filipiinas' qualification to the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.


https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/12/28/22/sarina-bolden-leaves-as-elfen-to-join-australian-club



26 December 2022

MATCH REPORT: Thailand 4-0 Philippines

 Thailand dominated the Philippines, 4-0, last Monday night at Thammasat Stadium to grab top spot in Group A of the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup.

A brace from Teerasil Danga and second half goals from Adisak Kraisorn and Suphanat Bureerat ensured maximum points for the Thais who are gunning for a seventh straight title in the competition.

It’s the second loss in three matches for the Azkals who were gunning for an upset after beating Brunei Darussalam, 5-1, last Friday night.

But the Azkals got off to a nightmarish start as Dangda fired the Thais ahead with a pinpoint header off a Theerathon Bunmathan delivery in the third minute.

The Azkals needed some fine saves from Julian Schwarzer to stay in the thick of the fight in the first half, before Amani Aguinaldo brought down Ekanit Panya inside the area for a penalty that was easily dispatched by Dangda.

The Azkals hardly threatened the Thai defense as the home side took a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break.

Adisak made it 3-nil in the 57th minute firing from close range after a cross on the left from Teerasil before Suphanat capped the scoring four minutes later.

With Indonesia winning over Brunei, 7-0, the Azkals’ fate is no longer in their hands even if they win their last game against Indonesia on January 2.

A draw by both Thailand and Indonesia in their clash on Thursday will formally eliminate the Azkals in the group stage for the second straight tournament.



25 December 2022

Road warriors: Philippine Azkals to spend Christmas away from home for AFF Cup match

 There’s no such thing as a holiday break for the men's national football team.

The Philippine Azkals began their 2022 AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup with a historic loss to Cambodia. It was a big disappointment to say the least as the Cambodians haven’t won against the Filipinos in the past two decades. To get their AFF campaign back on track, the Azkals needed a huge win against Brunei Darussalam.

Raul Maningat

At the Rizal Memorial Stadium, in front of the home crowd, the Philippine contingent came up clutch and turned over a convincing 5-1 win over Brunei. With the victory, Team Philippines earned three points to put themselves at 4th place in Group A. At the forefront of this terrific bounce back outing were Sebastian Rasmussen who scored twice and assisted on a Jhan-Jhan Meliza goal, Kenshiro Daniels and one of the team’s fastest rising stars Sandro Reyes who finished with one goal apiece.


So, what’s the reward for this redemption win? Well, for a national team in the middle of competing in a big international tournament, they’ve got no choice but to spend Christmas on the road. In an Instagram story of Philippine squad mainstay Stephan Schröck, it appears that the Azkals are flying today, December 24 for their next match against Thailand, which is taking place on December 26.

Taking on the defending AFF Cup champions, the Philippine team is in for a tough battle. The reigning kings of Southeast Asian football are clearly on a different level compared to Brunei Darussalam, and the Azkals know that. No wonder they’re ready to sacrifice family time during the holidays to prepare for the challenge ahead.


After the Group A match against Thailand, the Philippines will take on another strong team in the Indonesians, who finished second in the 2020 AFF Cup. That will take place on January 2, 2023.


The Filipino footballers are all but ready to miss another holiday as they gear up for this crucial encounter against Indonesia. The life of a national athlete — it’s not all glitz and glamour is it?


https://www.onesports.ph/more-sports/article/8584/road-warriors-philippine-azkals-to-spend-christmas-away-from-home-for-aff-cup-match?fbclid=IwAR3dXwUlu1njSkcPHvlb6CJ5Ul6HdRv2sorBscU_nPHtoIRIV1VmNVmGRTw

24 December 2022

Curt Dizon signs for Malaysian club Penang

 


Curt Dizon (United City Fc) has signed for Malaysian club Penang.

 


23 December 2022

Azkals Beat Brunei For First AFF Cup Win

 


Sebastian Rasmussen grabbed a second half brace in his senior debut as the Philippines recorded its first win with a 5-1 smashing of Brunei Darussalam last Friday night in the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Missing in the 2-3 defeat to Cambodia last Monday, Rasmussen introduced himself to the home crowd with a couple of cool finishes in the final half to cap a dominant performance by the home side.

Kenshiro Daniels scored his third goal in two matches, opening the scoring early on, before Sandro Reyes scored on a sublime strike to double the lead.

With Indonesia winning over Cambodia, 2-1, in Jakarta, Group A sees four teams all on three points with Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Cambodia all with a victory each after two matchdays.

Rasmussen came on for Daniels at halftime with coach Coco Ferre shuffling his squad with an eye on the away clash against Thailand on Monday.


It took only five minutes after the restart for the Azkals to make it 3-nil as Jhan Jhan Melliza found the top corner with his left footed strike, sparking celebrations at the RMS.

It was Melliza’s first international goal, too as the Azkals sustained their dominance. Captain Stephan Schrock came close with a header inside the box that went just wide, while Rasmussen was off target on another opportunity.

Rasmussen got on the scoresheet two minutes later with a stinging effort that Brunei goalkeeper Haimi Nyaring couldn’t keep out.

Substitute Razimi Ramili pulled a goal back for Brunei in the 68th minute, before Rasmussen capped the win with a cool finish.

https://pff.org.ph/2022/12/23/azkals-beat-brunei-for-first-aff-cup-win/

22 December 2022

AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup - Philippines vs Brunei

 

AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup | LOOK: Azkals’ Josep Ferré and Stephan Schröck pose for a photo with Brunei’s Mario Gomez and Hendra Azam after the pre-game press conference. The Azkals will play Brunei tomorrow, December 23, 6pm, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.




Azkals Make RMS Return, Seek First Win In AFF Cup

 Back on home ground, the Philippines seeks its first win in the 2022 AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup on Friday night against Brunei Darussalam at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

The RMS has witnessed some of the Azkals’ finest moments in recent memory and they hope to reprise that with a stellar performance as they hope to keep their semifinal hopes alive in the competition.

Kickoff is at 6 p.m. with the home side looking to get their campaign back on track after dropping a 2-3 result to the Cambodians last Monday night.

The Azkals have no choice but to grab maximum points as a draw or defeat will dim their hopes of coming out as one of the top two teams in Group A that also includes last year’s finalists Thailand and Indonesia.

Brunei lost to Thailand in their opening match, 0-6, in Kuala Lumpur.

Against the Philippines, though, the team actually has a winning record, posting five victories and four defeats with their previous match in the qualifying round of the competition ending in a 1-1 draw, 14 years ago.

Brunei stunned the Philippines, 1-0, in the inaugural staging of the tournament in 1996. That remains Brunei’s only win to date in the competition.

The Azkals conceded two early goals against Cambodia, before Kenshiro Daniels grabbed a brace to level the match early in the second half.

But another defensive mixup allowed Cambodia to regain the advantage that the hosts preserved with some solid defending near the end.

Opting for a squad made up of players who don’t have plenty of international experience, and a few veterans, including Stephan Schrock, Spanish coach Josep Ferre hopes playing in front of the home crowd can turn things around for the Azkals.



Azkals make RMS return, seek first win in AFF Cup - The Philippine Football Federation (pff.org.ph)

21 December 2022

AFF Cup: Philippines 2-3 Cambodia

 The Philippines opened its AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup campaign with a 2-3 defeat to Cambodia last Tuesday night in Phnom Penh.

The Azkals, four-time semifinalists in the tournament, conceded twice early on at Morodok Techo National Stadium before Kenshiro Daniels struck in each half to level the match at 2-all.

But the hosts regained the advantage through Reung Bunheing’s close range header and preserved the three points with some stout defending in the end. In his first competitive match in charge of the Azkals, coach Josep Ferre watched his side give up the first goal to Bunheing in the 16th minute. A cross from the left was met by Bunheing who guided the ball into the far corner beyond Kevin Hansen.

The second goal came four minutes later when Om Champolin’s deflected strike wrong-footed Hansen.

The Azkals pulled a goal back in the 41st minute with Daniels pouncing on Arnel Amita’s saved long range effort. The introduction of Sandro Reyes at halftime brought more attacking verve for the Azkals and it didn’t take long for them to find the equalizer.

A lofted ball from Aguinaldo found Daniels’ run in the area and the striker coolly finished past Keo Soksela in the 55th minute.

But the Azkals were left undone by Bunheing again as the striker got in between Amani Aguinaldo and Jeff Tabinas to head home what turned out to be the match winner just before the hour mark.

Soksela denied a potential equalizer from Stephan Schrock moments later after the captain swapped passes with Mark Hartmann before firing a left footed shot.

The Azkals put more men in the box in search of another goal, but the hosts kept their nerve to win for only the fifth time in the tournament.

The Azkals travel back to Manila on Wednesday as they prepare for the clash with Brunei Darussalam two days later at Rizal Memorial Stadium.





Philippines Women's NT in 4 -Nations tournament in Spain

 Philippines Women's NT will play Wales, Scotland and Iceland in a 4-nations tournament in Spain.


Schedule :

15. February Philippines- Wales

18. February Philippines- Scotland

21. February Philippines- Iceland




All matches at Pinatar Arena in Murcia, Spain




19 December 2022

‘Cambodians are fast and dangerous’ – Ferre

 



PHNOM PENH (19 Dec 2022) – Newly-appointed Philippines head coach Jose Ferre has assessed opponent Cambodia as being “fast and dangerous.”

The Philippines will take on Cambodia in their opening game of Group A of the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022 tomorrow evening at the Morodok Techo National Stadium.

“We have learned some things about Cambodia and even though they lost the last friendly, the players still showed plenty of quality,” said Ferre.

“They have some skillful players and they are fast and dangerous. So we have to be prepared for anything.”

Ferre took over the reins of the Philippines national team less than two weeks ago and in spite of conceding a narrow loss to Vietnam in a friendly, he showed that the team was certainly not lacking in competitive tendency.

“The first match in any tournament is always difficult. But the game against Vietnam certainly gave us some pointers to work on,” added Ferre.





In the meantime, Mark Hartmann said that the team is all focussed at this time.

“We have been having quite a good preparation and we are all focussed for this tournament which is the biggest competition in South East Asia,” he added.

After taking on Cambodia tomorrow, the Philippines will play Brunei DS in their second game of Group A on 23 December 2022 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.


 


PFF Advisory: AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022 – Philippines Vs. Brunei Darussalam Change In Kickoff Time

 



The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) informs all football fans and stakeholders that the kick-off for the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022 group A match between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam on Friday 23 December 2022 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium has been moved from 7:00 PM to the updated time of 6:00 PM.

The change in kick-off time was brought on due to broadcast considerations.

PFF advises all supporters, who have already bought their match tickets that tickets already purchased from SM Tickets are still valid and will still be subjected to ticket exchange for the actual match ticket upon their arrival at the stadium.

PFF also encourages everyone who will watch the Philippines vs. Brunei Darussalam match to arrive at the venue at an earlier time in order to have their tickets exchanged for the actual match tickets.

Spectators (at least 18 years old and above) must present a copy of their PROOF OF FULL VACCINATION along with a valid ID upon entry at the stadium. Those who fail to present proof of vaccination and valid ID will not be allowed entry to the stadium.

For spectators below 18 years old, their accompanying parents and/or guardian must present a copy of their PROOF OF FULL VACCINATION along with a valid ID.

https://pff.org.ph/2022/12/19/pff-advisory-aff-mitsubishi-electric-cup-2022-philippines-vs-brunei-darussalam-change-in-kickoff-time/

15 December 2022

International Women's friendly - Philippines 9-0 Papua New Guinea

 


🇵🇭 9-0 🇵🇬

⚽️ Sara Eggesvik 11'
⚽️ Katrina Guillou 24' 72' (pen)
⚽️ Jessika Cowart 46'
⚽️ Tahnai Annis 53'
⚽️ (Own goal) 55'
⚽️ Quinley Quezada 65' 85' 87'




Philippines MNT Lineup For Vietnam Friendly

 The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has called up 24 players that will comprise the Philippine Men’s National Team for the International Friendly Match against Vietnam on 14 December 2022 at the Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The friendly match serves as the team’s final preparation for the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022, which kicks off on 20 December 2022. The last time the two sides met was in the semi-final of the AFF Championship in 2018 where Vietnam defeated the Philippines, 3-1 on aggregate.

Leading the Azkals is Josep Ferre as head coach. Coach Ferre has had coaching experience in Thailand having coached for Thai League 1 sides Buriram United, Ratchaburi Mitr Phol, and BG Pathum United.

Assisting Ferre are coaches Jovanie Villagracia and Ernani Regis while the Team Manager is Dan Palami.

Midfielder Stephan Schrock is the team captain. He is joined by veterans Amani Aguinaldo, Kevin Ray Hansen, Kenshiro Daniels, Mark Hartmann. Also included are youth national team standouts in Kamil Amirul, Yrick Gallantes, Harry Nuñez, and Sandro Reyes, as well as reinforcements from the Philippines Football League in Jesus Melliza, Kenshiro Daniels, Simen Lyngbo, Arnel Amita, Jarvey Gayoso, and Julian Schwarzer.

Prior to the team’s departure to Vietnam, the Philippines conducted their preparations at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

Philippines MNT lineup for Vietnam friendly - The Philippine Football Federation (pff.org.ph)

Players:

HANSEN, Kevin RayGoalkeeperKuala Lumpur City FC (Malaysia)
PINTHUS, AnthonyGoalkeeperUnited City FC
SCHWARZER, JulianGoalkeeperAzkals Development Team
AGUINALDO, AmaniDefenderNakhon Rachasima FC (Thailand)
LYNGBO, Simen AlexanderDefenderUnited City FC
MENZI, MichaelDefenderKaya FC-Iloilo
RONTINI, ChristianDefenderPenang FA (Malaysia)
TABINAS, JeffersonDefenderMito Hollyhock (Japan)
TABINAS, PaulDefenderUnattached
AMIRUL, Kamil JaserMidfielderAzkals Development Team
AMITA, ArnelMidfielderKaya FC-Iloilo
BIAS, OliverMidfielderChiangmai United (Thailand)
BUGAS, PocholoMidfielderUnited City FC
GALLANTES, YrickMidfielderAzkals Development Team
GAYOSO, Javier AugustineMidfielderKaya FC-Iloilo
MELLIZA, Jesus JoaquinMidfielderKaya FC-Iloilo
MINEGISHI, HikaruMidfielderUnited City FC
REYES, Sandro MiguelMidfielderUnattached
SCHRÖCK, Stephan MarkusMidfielderAzkals Development Team
ALDEGUER, Andres RafaelForwardAzkals Development Team
DANIELS, Kenshiro MichaelForwardUnited City FC
HARTMANN, MarkForwardUnited City FC