The Philippine U23 men’s national football team is thrilled to make a return to the Asian Games for the first time since the continental tournament’s 7th edition in Tehran in 1974.

Given the historic prestige of the Asian and the strength of the opponents, PMNFT U23 has called up 29 players in the national team pool as they have been preparing and training at the Adidas Football Park in Pasay City and the Rizal Memorial Stadium (RMS) in Manila.

As part of its preparation, the PMNFT U23 had a friendly match against Philippines Football League (PFL) side Stallion Laguna, a professional club bannered by last season’s Golden Boot runner-up Finn McDaniel, last 6 September. The Nationals prevailed, 2-0, with forwards Janjan Jalique and Aidan Astilla-Boronda scoring the winning goals.

Another PFL friendly is scheduled on 9 September at the RMS, this time against the UMak Aguilas.

PFF president John Anthony Gutierrez emphasized that the federation’s preparations for the campaign have been thorough.

To beef up PMNFT U23’s readiness, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has moved its Season 89 men’s football tournament opening to October to ensure the availability of its players and coaches for the Asian Games.

Among the UAAP players in the national pool are Fonsi Gonzalez, Joshua Meriño, and Jian Caraig of University of the Philippines; Dov Cariño and Mateo Lacson of Ateneo de Manila University; and Iñigo Castro and Joaquin Collo of De La Salle University with UP head coach Popoy Clarino sitting as lead assistant coach.

“PFF thanks UAAP for aligning its schedule in support of the Philippine U23 men’s national football team to the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, allowing top collegiate players to participate. We thank UAAP president Mark Molina, executive director Rebo Saguisag and UAAP board of trustees, football commissioner Rely San Agustin, and Season 89 host Far Eastern University for their continuous support,” Gutierrez said.

PMNFT U23 head coach Garrath McPherson welcomed the group draw, saying it strikes a balance between familiarity and fresh challenges for his players.

“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 in any of the groups,” McPherson said.

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

McPherson added that since the draw was confirmed, his technical staff have been working on specific preparations for each of their opponents ahead of the tournament.

“Behind the scenes, the technical staff have spent considerable time analyzing and familiarizing ourselves with each opponent. As we get closer to the tournament, our focus is now on making sure that preparation translates onto the pitch and that we are ready for the challenges each opponent will present.”