Young squad to lead Philippine campaign in inaugural ASEAN Hyundai Cup

The Philippine men’s national football team will usher in a new generation of talent in the inaugural ASEAN Hyundai Cup after head coach Carles Cuadrat unveiled a youthful squad backed by an experienced core.

With several regular players unavailable due to club commitments, Cuadrat selected a number of emerging prospects as the Philippines looks to improve on its semifinal finish in the 2024 edition of Southeast Asia’s premier men’s football tournament.

Among the newcomers are forwards Raphael Ritarita, Andres Aldeguer, Aarran Long, and Martini Rey; goalkeeper Enrico Mangaoang; defenders Jaime Rosquillo and John Lucero; midfielder Gavin Muens; and overseas-based prospects Noah Leddel and Kenji Nishioka.

Nineteen-year-old Ritarita earned his call-up after playing for Crown Legacy in MLS NEXT Pro in the United States, while Mangaoang impressed in the domestic scene with UMAK-Aguilas.

Despite the influx of young talent, Cuadrat retained a veteran backbone to provide leadership throughout the tournament.

Sandro Reyes will anchor the midfield alongside Javier Mariona, Jarvey Gayoso, Cole Mrowka, Andrei Leipold, and Santi Rublico.

Veteran Daisuke Sato leads the defense together with Christian Rontini, Adrian Ugelvik, Scott Woods, and Rosquillo.

Pocholo Bugas and Oskari Kekkonen add experience in midfield, while goalkeepers Patrick Deyto and Quincy Kammeraad provide stability between the posts. Kammeraad was one of the Philippines’ standout performers during its run to the semifinals of the 2024 tournament.

Several established national team players were omitted from the squad as they remain with their respective clubs during the competition.

The Philippines opens its Group B campaign against Myanmar on July 28 at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.

The Filipinos will then travel to Vientiane to face Laos on Aug. 1 before returning home to take on group favorite Thailand on Aug. 4. They will conclude the group stage against Malaysia on Aug. 8 in Kuala Lumpur.