Philippine booters ready to take the pitch

MANILA, Philippines — It’s been such a long time since the Philippines last competed in men’s football in the Asian Games – 52 years to be exact.

So expect the Pinoy U23 booters to make their first appearance in the continental conclave since the 1974 edition in Tehran count.

“After such a long absence from the competition, we are grateful to be in such a prestigious tournament and we are ready to showcase our quality,” coach Garrath McPherson said ahead of next week’s hostilities in Japan.

The Filipinos earned their long-awaited place in the Nagoya Games as the next-in-line qualifier after India, which withdrew prior to the draw.

McPherson’s squad will try to sustain the momentum from its historic runs at the U23 Asean Championship (first-ever semifinal appearance), U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers (all-time best two-win, one-loss record) and 2025 Southeast Asian Games (Final Four stint) heading into their comeback stint.

The U23s will hit the field on Tuesday against Uzbekistan in the Group C opener at Minato Stadium before facing Southeast Asian rival Vietnam on Sept. 18 and Kuwait on Sept. 22.

“The draw has given us a mix of familiar and unfamiliar opposition which I am pleased with,” said McPherson.

“We have shown the level we can play in the last two matches against Vietnam, so we have a good understanding of each other.” The other two opponents, Uzbekistan and Kuwait, provide an opportunity to experience new challenges. This experience will help our players grow.”