THE Philippine men’s Under-22 team began its AFF U22 Championship 2019 campaign in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where it hopes to make significant strides in preparation for future competitions, including the Southeast Asian Games later this year.
Made up of players from the top collegiate leagues in the land as well as some coming from overseas-based teams and local professional club teams, the U-22 team was to play in Group A, beginning with Vietnam yesterday at the National Stadium in Phnom Penh.
Apart from the Philippines and Vietnam, also in Group A are Thailand and Timor Liste.
For the tournament, happening until Feb. 26, the team called up 23 players for duty.
The players are goalkeepers Alexandre Arcilla (Ateneo), Michael Asong and Kenry Balobo (San Beda), defenders Lawrence Baguio (College of Saint Benilde), Winces Blabino (Lyceum of the Philippines), Major Dean Ebarle (Kaya FC-Iloilo), Jose Miguel Clarino (University of the Philippines), William Jay Grierson (Ateneo), Jordan Jarvis (Eastern Sports Club in Hong Kong), Banjo Mahinay and James Mansueto (Lyceum), and Ray Sanciangco (UP) Also part of the 23-man team are midfielders Jeremiah Borlongan (UP), Jumbel Guinabang (Arellano), Dylan De Bruycker (Ceres-Negros FC), Earl Laguerta (St. Benilde), Christian Lapas (UP), Vincent Lovitos (St. Benilde), Kyle Magdato and Daniel Saavedra (UP), and Mark Winhoffer (Yale University), and forwards Troy Limbo (Sunderland RCA FC in England) and Rico Andes (National University).
Coaching the team is Salvador Salvacion, assisted by coaches Andres Gonzales, Randolfo Clarino, Christopher Pedimonte, and Ralph Datoy.
“We wish the Philippines Men’s Under-22 team the best of luck as they compete in the AFF U22 Championship 2019 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. We hope that the players can maximize their full potential during the competition. Joining the tournament is part of the players’ preparations for the upcoming Southeast Asian Games later this year,” said Philippine Football Federation general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes of the team, which played local football clubs as part of its preparation for the tournament.
After yesterday’s game against Vietnam, the Philippines takes on Thailand on Feb. 19 and then Timor Leste on Feb. 21.
The top two at the end of group play of the tournament advance to the knockout stage.
Playing in Group B are host Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
The Philippine Under-22 team will be also form part of the country’s squad for the AFC U23 Championship 2020 Qualifiers this March in Malaysia. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
