Philippines national team has announced 23 players in the squad for Pestabola Merdeka 2024 (International Friendly ‘A’ Match) from 4 – 8 September 2024 at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur.
Key players leading the team include goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, Patrick Reichelt, Amani Aguinaldo, Jarvey Gayoso, and Patrick Deyto. Veteran midfielder Patrick Strauss, who has 17 caps for the Philippines, has also been called up after last featuring in the September 2023 friendlies.
New faces in the squad include Martin Bjorn Kristensen and Matthew Baldisimo. The latter’s brother, Michael Baldisimo, has already played four matches for the national team. Additionally, PFF director Freddy Gonzalez has hinted at more foreign-based players, including Nick and Anthony Markanich, joining the national pool once their Philippine passports are processed.
The Philippines will kick off the tournament on September 4, 2024, facing host Malaysia.
The tournament follows a knockout format, with the team potentially playing against Lebanon or Tajikistan in the final or the third-place match.
Credit Photo : PMNFT
