HONG BONG-BORN Filipino booter Noah Leddel scored the winning goal as the Philippines turned back host Tajikistan, 1-0, on Saturday evening to keep their hopes to make it to the Asian Football Confederation U-23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 alive.
The 22-year-old Leddel, who plays for Cebu FC in local club competitions, headed home the winning goal off Sandro Reyes’ corner in the 70th minute during action held at the Republican Central Stadium in Dushanbe.
“I think overall it was a tough game. Both sides were very intense, but it was going to come down to a set-piece goal ultimately,” said Leddel after the game.
It was just the second win for the Philippines in its twelve-year history in the U23 Asian Cup qualification tournament.
The last time the Philippines won was a similar 1-0 result against Bangladesh back in 2023.
The Philippines moved to second spot with their 1-0-1 win-draw-loss record in Group K, a slate they now share with Tajikistan.
Syria is in the solo lead after earlier posting a 4-2 triumph over Nepal.
Goalie Nic Guimaraes kept Tajikistan from scoring after Leddel sent in the Philippines’ lone goal and this was after he pulled off saves from Azizbek Khaitov and Abubakr Sulaymonov.
The Philippines can qualify for the main tournament, if they win over winless Nepal in their final match on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Tajikistan battles undefeated Syria, which is seeking a three-game sweep.
