The Filipinas have some great captains leading the charge.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup is almost here, and it's just one more day before the Philippine women’s national football team makes their historic debut in the tournament.
Of course, the Filipinas would not be where they are without their ever-so-reliable captains.
Get to know them here.
Name: Hali Long
Position: Defender
Age: 28 years old
Birthplace: Cape Girardeau, Missouri, United States
Club: Kaya FC
Hali Long is the co-captain of the Filipinas and has been a crucial piece for the team since her debut back in the 2016 AFF Women's Championship.
Long is the most-capped Filipina with 74 international appearances. She been a rock for the national team’s backline, stopping the opposing team’s attacks.
But don’t let Hali fool you when it comes to her goal scoring capabilities. She has the second-most number of goals on the squad with 18.
Let 'em know
The 28-year-old Long knows how important their FIFA World Cup campaign will be for the country, and they are making sure to give it their all.
“The women will do nothing short. We hope to provide more than entertainment. We hope to bring honor to the Philippines, and rise to the occasion of how monumental and legendary this stint is,” said Long.
Pass the sass
Check out Hali in her travel mode as she shared some pics of the Filipinas’ time in the country and abroad.
Keep slaying
Check out Long’s spectacular header against Vietnam in the semifinals of the 2022 AFF Women's Championship.
Name: Tahnai Annis
Position: Midfielder
Age: 34 years old
Birthplace: Zanesville, Ohio, United States
Club: Thor/KA
The captain, Tahnai Annis, made her debut for the Filipinas in the 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup in Jordan.
Recognized for her unparalleled expertise, Annis was appointed as captain right away. Since then, she has represented the Philippines on 38 occasions.
Her strong presence in the midfield remains a crucial factor for the Filipinas, and she has also emerged as a notable offensive threat, scoring 13 goals.
Let 'em know
There’s a reason why the Filipinas have been successful as of late—and Tahnai knows exactly why.
"There are not a lot of egos that get in the way, because we all know that we’re in this together and that we only got to where we’ve got because we’ve stayed together," said Annis.
"And that if at any point people start to try go their own way or we try and be individual, then that’s one thing that might break down for us, because that’s not what’s been successful for us."
Pass the sass
When not donning the Philippine jersey, Annis plays for the Icelandic club Thor/KA where she has 13 goals in over 60 appearances. Filipinas teammate Dominique Randle is also a member of the same pro club.
Keep slaying
Annis continues to prove that her leadership style is by setting a good example on the field. With her leading the team, the Filipinas could shock some people come the World Cup.
Abante Babae is a series that puts the spotlight on the members of the Philippine women's national football team, who are making their appearance in the prestigious FIFA Women's World Cup after years of perseverance and making history.
The previous articles featured the country's best scorers Sarina Bolden and Quinley Quezada, the trio of goalkeepers in Kiara Fontanilla, Olivia McDaniel, and Kaiya Jota, the country's midfielders Sara Eggesvik, Jaclyn Sawicki alongside Ryley Bugay and Anicka Castañeda, the forwards Carleigh Frilles, Merryl Serrano, Chandler McDaniel, and Katrina Guillou, the wall of skilled defenders in Dominique Randle, Jessika Cowart, Sofia Harrison, and Reina Bonta, the latest additions Angela Beard and Alicia Barker, and the team's youngsters Malea Cesar and Isabella Flanigan.
(GM)