Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
California: With less than 100 days until the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Jordan 2018, the Philippines have embarked on a marathon three-month training camp as they prepare for their first major tournament since 2003.
The camp, which began this week in Corona, California, will include up to 40 players and continue until March, as new head coach Richard Boon looks to mould his squad into a team capable of competing with Asia’s best.
Speaking from the United States, goalkeeper and on-field leader Inna Palacios said such an intensive preparation is necessary.
“We want to give our best efforts when we get to Jordan. Having the camp in California is providing the training and recovery we will need in our preparations up until April,” she said.
“It’s weird being away from home and not having the vibe of the Philippines, but this is the sacrifice asked of us to represent the flag. It’s important to push through adversity.
“We all come from different places and having us all together for this camp helps us bond and get some team chemistry which will hopefully show on the field.”
The Malditas made history last year, becoming the first Filipino senior national team – male or female – to successfully navigate the qualification stages to reach the continental Finals, with their previous appearances in the Women’s Asian Cup taking place in the pre-qualification era.
Following that success, Jordan 2018 presents an opportunity to make a global impact, with the top five teams in the tournament to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in France in 2019.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/philippines_rejoice_-_afc_womens_asian_cup_qualifiers _3.html
