The Philippine Men’s National Football Team resumes its bid for relevance as the qualifiers for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup begin. The Philippine side is hoping to get the full six points in back-to-back games against Timor-Leste — first in an away match in Darwin, Australia (last night), and then at home at the New Clark City Stadium on October 17.
Several days ago, the Philippine Football Federation released the 23-man lineup against the Lafaek, or The Crocodiles. The roster includes goalkeepers Kevin Mendoza, Quincy Kammeraad, and Nico Guimaraes; defenders Amani Aguinaldo, Josef Baccay, Michael Kempter, Jesper Nyholm, Santi Rublico, Jeff Tabinas, and Adrian Ugelvik; midfielders Zico Bailey, Mike Ott, John Lucero, Sandro Reyes, Christian Rontini, and Randy Schneider; and forwards Dylan Demuynck, Jarvey Gayoso, Gerrit Holtmann, Bjorn Kristensen, Andre Leipold, Alex Monis, and Sebastian Rasmussen. The squad, formerly known as the Azkals, appears poised for a strong campaign.
The Philippines is currently second in Group A with four points, behind Tajikistan only by goal difference. The squad had the opportunity to move to the top with six points, but managed only a 1-1 draw against Tajikistan in a home game in its last outing.
As the PMNFT returns to the pitch, a familiar name is also making a comeback with the national team. In a short kumustahan with The Designated Kit Man, striker Sebastian Rasmussen shared his excitement about playing once more for the three stars and the sun.
“It feels very good to be back with the team again. I’m super excited, happy, and thankful for being back,” he said.
Rasmussen missed several games due to personal reasons, but his fine form with his club Hobro in the Danish First Division earned him another call-up to the national team.
“I have been working hard on and off the pitch to stay as sharp and fit as possible. I’m really excited to play for the national team again. It is always an honor to be called up and play at such a high level,” Rasmussen added.
Aside from playing for the national team once more, Rasmussen is also looking forward to meeting Carles Cuadrat — the team’s latest head coach — and his staff, which includes fellow Spaniards Albert Roca and Dimas Delgado.
“I really don’t know them that much, but I know that they have a lot of experience and have trained some of the best players in the world. So I’m really excited to learn from them. I’m also very thankful that they chose me to be part of the squad,” Rasmussen shared.
Rasmussen added that he can’t wait to play again before local fans, which is among his main motivations for returning to the country. The team is expected to fly back to Manila immediately after the Darwin game.
On paper, the PMNFT is one of the strongest sides assembled in recent years. The presence of Holtmann, Kristensen, Monis, Demuynck, and Rasmussen provides several scoring options, while Reyes and Schneider are also capable of giving the team additional firepower. The matches against Timor-Leste will give Rublico another opportunity to assert his presence and realize his full potential.
Another factor working in the Philippines’ favor is its superior head-to-head record against Timor-Leste — six wins and one loss. Still, as the saying goes, “the ball is round,” and football remains a game where nothing is set in stone and surprises often come in bundles.
Once again, it cannot be emphasized enough: the PMNFT must secure the full six points against Timor-Leste. Nothing less than two wins will keep the team on track for a return to the continent’s biggest football spectacle two years from now.
Which brings me to a question: whatever happened to the recruitment of high-profile players? Before the departure of former PMNFT team manager Freddy Gonzalez, there was much anticipation surrounding the arrival of players who could significantly bolster the team’s Asian Cup qualifying campaign. These included Cole Mrowka, the Wolff brothers, the Patterson brothers, and even that ultimate “Pabebe Azkal Wannabe.”
If I remember correctly, Gonzalez even sought help from some senators to fast-track the naturalization of these players. But since his departure, nothing has been heard about these recruitment efforts or the status of their papers. With the Senate currently busy with its hearings on the flood control scandal, I sincerely hope that the work started by Gonzalez won’t simply be thrown under the bus just because he is no longer with the PFF. But then again…
The national side will face Timor-Leste at 7 p.m. on October 17 at the New Clark City Stadium.
Stay safe. Stay happy, peeps!
For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow him on X (formerly Twitter): @erelcabatbat.
