MANILA – Buglas Futbol Girls Under-15 team delivered an inspiring runner-up finish in the recently concluded 33rd Kanga Cup International Youth Soccer Tournament held at Southwell Park.
Representing the Negros Island Region, the all-Negrense squad impressed spectators as they secured second place in the under-15 female plate division of one of the southern hemisphere’s largest youth football tournaments.
Despite competing with just 13 players — due to visa issues — and facing physically larger opponents, Buglas Filipinas went undefeated in the elimination round, tallying four wins and one draw.
Their dominant performances included a 7-0 and a 4-0 shutout, totaling 17 goals scored and only four conceded throughout the tournament.
In the semifinals, the team outlasted their opponents via a 3-0 penalty shootout victory after a 1-1 deadlock in regulation.
However, fatigue and Canberra’s harsh winter conditions took their toll in the gold medal match, where the Filipinas fell 0-4 to the Rouse Hill Rams — the same team they had beaten 2-1 earlier in the competition.
The team was backed by overwhelming support from the Filipino community in Canberra, with their matches drawing crowds of Pinoy-Australians and even local Aussies cheering for the spirited girls.
Buglas Filipinas was led by technical director Rene Jiffrey Lomugdang, head coach Pangs Silava, and lead consultant Elmer Lacknet Bedia, a three-time Mr. Football awardee. The coaching staff also included Rachelle Beatrize Semillano, Christian Earl Bona, Red Yasay, and Ron Gerard Molequin.
The players were Nathalie Rhaine Andres, Renee Gavriel Animathea Lomugdang, Chloe Belisse Pasama, Angel Nicole Segovia, Kelsy Skye Anub, Ysabel Anara Yasay, Maxene Dominique Sison, Shanel Dominique Molequin, Hushlee Lhannia De Larrazabal, Claudia Elise Montinola, Jhayne Elainne Dalogdog, Marinel Gonzales, and Yannah Marie Amar.
Following their feat, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) congratulated the team for bringing pride to the country on the international stage.
“PFF congratulates our all-Negrense U15 Girls team for winning the Silver Medal at the 33rd Kanga Cup International Junior Soccer Tournament in Canberra, Australia!” the federation posted on its official social media page./PN
