Bandoja gets Phl Team call-up

Pinay5 striker Isabella Bandoja gets another chance to represent the country after being called up to the national squad that will see action in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup in China from 6 to 17 May.

The 24-year-old footballer joins Pinay5 teammate Lanie Ortillo, Hazel Lustan of Capital1, and Charisa Lemoran of Kaya FC-Iloilo in powering the Filipina5 against the likes of Iran, Vietnam and Hong Kong in Group B.

Completing the 14-woman squad that will compete in China are Rocelle Mendaño, Dionesa Tolentin, Judy Connolly, Alisha Del Campo, Regine Rebosura, Samantha Hughes, Isabella Flanigan, Cathrine Graversen, Kayla Santiago, and Vrendelle Nuera.

The Philippines needs to finish as one of the top two teams in the group to advance to the quarterfinal.

Bandoja is not a stranger in the international futsal field.

Under the watchful eye of Dutch coach Vic Hermans, Bandoja competed in tournaments such as the FAS Tri-Nations Series in 2022 in Malaysia and the PFF Women’s Tri-Nation Futsal Invitational 2023 in Manila.

Bandoja was also the country’s bright spot when the Philippines hosted the ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship last year as she scored two goals in the entire tournament.

The Philippines is using this tournament as part of its preparation for the first-ever FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup from 21 November to 7 December.