Inna Palacios Returns as National Team Captain The Kaya goalkeeper is back and ready to lead the PWNT through the AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers.

In several hours, Kaya FC’s own Inna Palacios will be donning the captain’s armband as the Philippine Women’s National Team take the field for the first time since 2019. Through the goalkeeper’s journey returning from injury to make her way back in goal for the country, these qualifiers never once left her mind.

The Philippines, Nepal, and Hong Kong are competing in a three team round robin for the right to advance to the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in India—which in itself is the final qualification stage for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Certainly some high aspirations down the line, but it all begins tomorrow night in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Finally together again, some monumental efforts went into getting everyone ready for this very moment.

Prior to the national team’s training camp in California, Inna got some practice in with the Kaya men’s team. After being unable to take the field in the past year, the players need as many reps as they can get—doubly so for Palacios who’s been recovering from shoulder surgery.

“I’m just happy that my club team helped me [with] getting back,” said Palacios. “For letting me train with them cause that really boosted my confidence, and made sure that I can already play. I’m thankful for that, thankful for the coaches.”

Running drills alongside Zach Banzon and Mike Casas, the captain didn’t look like she skipped a beat. She moved well, caught balls with ease, and showed no hesitation on dives—signs of finally putting the injury behind her before she left for the States.

“I would say that I did come a long way already, I’m happy where my recovery’s brought me and that we did it right. I feel like my shoulder’s been great. It feels new so I’m very happy and excited.”

Any rust or uneasiness getting back on the field got shaken off once the training camp began. Joined on the roster by fellow Kaya Women’s Team players Camille Rodriguez, Patricia Tomanon, and Hali Long, as well as Chelo Hodges and Bhebe Lemoran who later joined up with the squad in Uzbekistan. They played several tune up games against local college and club squads in America.

In addition, the players and staff had to work just as hard on the off-field aspects of their trip. The challenge of adapting to bubble life for the first time meant constant testing and practicing the strict protocols that’ll be present at the Asian Cup matches in Tashkent. The preparations have gone exceptionally well, considering the circumstances.

“I think everyone’s adapting really good and just making the most out of what we have,” stated Inna. “The situation we’re in—it’s different, it’s unique. We’ve never had this kind of situation, having to prepare during a pandemic so I think everyone’s just new to this.”

With the World Cup looming in the distance, everyone’s attention is on these two upcoming fixtures. At the very least, the captain doesn’t lack for confidence with their chances.

“I’m very excited for this campaign and I’m excited for the team,” said Palacios. “We’re all coming in with a strong motivation to make it to the next round, and we’ll see you in Uzbekistan.”