Guam U23 National Team ready for strong opposition in AFC tournament

[September 2, 2025 – Harmon, Guam] Strong and experienced opposition await Guam’s U23 National Team in the upcoming AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia Qualifiers Group I in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, providing a valuable opportunity for selected players called up to the final roster.

Guam is set to compete against I.R. Iran, with its national program ranked in the top 20 in the world, United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong, China.

“The primary objectives are to develop our young players technically and tactically, where they are able to instill a strong competitive mindset and gain valuable experience at the international level,” said Ross Awa, Guam’s Head Coach. “Performing well in the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Qualifiers will help raise the profile of Guam football, continue to inspire our youth, and provide a steppingstone for future generations to compete at higher levels.

“We respect the opposition, but we also believe in our capabilities and the hard work we have been putting into preparing for these fixtures. We look forward to the matches and hope to make our supporters proud,” added Awa.

Awa called up 23 players to represent Guam in the qualification round of the continental tournament. Selected to the team are goalkeepers Josiah Jones, Micah Tavarez, and Gabriel Dixon, and field players Levi Berg, Levi Buckwalker, Jason Castro, Landen Diaz, Jonathon Dozier, Curtis Harmon, Luciano Jameson, Noah Legaspi, Morgan McKenna, Riku Meyar, Elijah Ochoa, Kai Pahl, Eduardo Pedemonte, Jr., Lacen Roberto, Oz Rocca, Caleb Sablan, Andrew Stenson, Shuntaro Suzuki, Ayden Valdez, and Quincy Walker.

Guam will open its bid against the host country Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. local time (3:30 a.m. +1 day Guam time) at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Guam will next play Saturday against I.R. Iran at 6:30 p.m. local time (12:30 a.m. +1 day Guam time), and complete the qualification round against Hong Kong, China on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m. local time (12:30 a.m. +1 day Guam time).

Joining Awa on the team’s traveling staff are Team Manager Vance Manibusan, Assistant Coach Manfred Preschern, Goalkeeper Coach Jeroen Bos, Team Doctor Kevin Estillore, Physiotherapists Dr. J.P. Thompson and Walfred Javier, Team Security Officer Melwert Etumai, and Team Media Officer Nicholas Duenas.

Authentic jerseys and other merchandise, as well as limited edition GFA 50^th Anniversary National Team jerseys, are available for purchase at https://gufanshop.myshopify.com/