Malditas squad for Women's Asian Cup released

Ready to shock. The Malditas depart for Jordan as they take on Asia's best for a spot in the Women's World Cup. Mia Montayre/Philippine Football Federation

By Kevin Estrada

MANILA--The quest for France has begun for the Malditas as the Philippine Football Federation released their final squad that will be playing in the AFC Women's Asian Cup starting on Friday in Jordan.

Manager Rabah Benlarbi has only retained six holdovers from the side that gave them the ticket to Amman last year, with Eva Madarang the most notable omission despite having found the net four times in their qualifying campaign in Tajikistan.

A mix of youth and experience will banner what will be the strongest side the country has ever fielded in their return to the continental stage after a 15-year wait that also doubles as the final round of the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Apart from the usual reliables such as goalkeeper Inna Palacios and midfielders Patrice Impelido and Sara Castañeda, the squad highlights the presence of the collegiate stalwarts from the United States with Ryley Bugay of Marquette and Sarina Bolden of Loyola Marymount.

Also making the return to the fold is 37-year-old Chalise Baysa, who last saw action for the country in the 2013 AFF tilt.

The rest of the lineup include Alesa Dolino, Claire Lim, Krystal De Ramos, Hali Long, Morgan Brown, Cam Rodriguez, Ma. Luisa Park, Jesse Shugg, Caitlyn Kreutz, Kearra Bastes-Jones, Leah Larot, Alexa Diaz, Stacey Cavill, Calah Simarago, Tahnai Annis, Quinley Quezada, and Jessica Miclat.

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