THIS week has been a good one when it comes to the two teams The Designated Kit Man is really passionate about.
Earlier, the Philippine Men’s National Football Team got the win in Male, beating Maldives, 2-0, to secure the full three points. Jeff Tabinas and Sandro Reyes both found the back of the net to give the Philippines the win at the Maldives National Football Stadium last Tuesday in the ongoing 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
In an ideal world, a win is a win. In Male, it was a case of a win, but not the way an actual “win” could have mattered. In the away-game, we needed more than just a win, a 3-0 win to be more specific or at least a a three-goal advantage triumph owing to the goal-difference rule that will come in handy in cases of ties after the group stages. That “ideal” win could have given our lads at least a slight cushion against Tajikistan in a return match in March next year. A draw will be enough to send our team back to the biggest tournament in the continent in 2027.
As it stands, the Philippines is tied with Tajikistan in Group A with similar 13 points, but the Tajiks own the top spot due to goal difference (11-10). The Philippines could have been on top had the needed three goal win in Male happened.
All is not lost, however, as the team formerly known as the Azkals will need to beat Tajikistan in their home pitch, nothing more and nothing less next year.
Just hoping that despite the concerns and the trials the team has to overcome, both off and on the pitch, the team will have the strongest line-up possible against the do-or-go-home game against Tajikistan in March 31, 2026. The two teams played to a 2-2 draw the first time they met in the qualifiers in Manila last June 10.
On the local front, the San Beda Red Lions had to claw back from a 15-point deficit to outclass the upset-conscious Generals of Emilio Aguinaldo College, 96-78, to secure the top spot in Group B of the ongoing Men’s basketball tournament of Season 101 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Pro-bound Bryan Sajonia and rookie sensation Janti Miller took turns in carrying the Red Lions in a big 4th-quarter run to avoid an embarrassing loss to a gallant Generals’ squad and secure the win. More important than the comeback victory, the Lions’ ninth in 12 games, San Beda now has the twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.
In a way, this is a win that is really a “win”. A “win” that is enough.
Despite the victory, the Red Lions hope to end the elimination round the way they started their campaign – with a win. And pride at stake when they resume anew their rivalry against the Knights of Letran College this Sunday, November 23. San Beda beat Letran, 68-58, in their initial game of the season.
Again, football is a bit complicated compared to basketball where a win-loss slate could have easily settled the fate of teams gasping at the last available seat in the next round.
In the case of the two teams, victories too are not the same and to some extent, standards are quite high in football, where such are accorded to the national team.
Panalo na nga, kulang pa rin.
A simple win, however, in March will be enough. Let’s pray for that to happen and for the Philippine Football Federation to make it happen.
As always, The Designated Kit Man will always support any national team in the middle of a campaign in any international tournament. The Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team is no exception. The Filipina5 is set to begin its campaign in the first-ever FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City tonight, at 8.30 p.m., against a crack Poland squad.
The Filipina5 will face next Morocco on November 24 before ending their group fixtures against Argentina on November 27. All our games will start at 8.30 p.m. at the venue formerly known as ULTRA in recent past.
Bannering our campaign are Samantha Hughes, Lanie Ortillo, Catherine Graversen, Kayla Santiago, Dionesa Tolentin and Jaclyn Sawicki. Joining them are Katrina Guillou, Regine Rebosura, Alisha Del Campo, Judy Connoly, Isabella Bandoja, Charisa Lemoran, Rocelle Mendaño and Bella Flanigan.
All the best of luck to our gallant ladies who will be taking the best futsal teams from all over the world. The opposition may appear bigger, stronger and more experienced than our local squad but never underestimate the hearts and spirit of our squad. Playing before the hometown fans will definitely give them the extra motivation and passion. So if you are not busy during their games, please get a ticket and let’s rally behind our Filipina5.
Laban, Filipina5!
Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!
For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat
