THE Philippine national football team did a great job in posting their first win in the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup.
Coach Albert Capellas said this after the Filipino side pulled off a 4-1 victory over Maldives on Tuesday night at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Tarlac.
“Job done. It’s these type of games that we have to win if we want to qualify,” said Capellas.
With the win, the Philippines now sits atop Group A.
Maldives is ranked 162nd in the world, and the 150th-ranked Philippine booters quickly asserted themselves moments after kickoff.
Defender Jefferson Tabinas scored the first goal, just six minutes into the match after finding himself open at the far post.
A second goal came in the 18th minute when Bjørn Martin Kristensen’s attempt went in for his sixth goal in just 12 international caps.
Maldives tried to rally back in the second half and got one in the 62nd minute off Ali Fasir, who volleyed in an assist from Hussain Sifaau Yoosuf.
“It’s always very important to start with a win. Now, we’re at the top (of Group A) and we cannot wait to play against Tajikistan here at home,” said Capellas.
In the 77th minute, it was Randy Schneider’s turn, as he netted in the team’s third goal.
At stoppage time, midfielder Sandro Reyes calmly sent in right-footed blast inside the Maldives’ penalty area.
“We expect a lot of people and to start (the campaign) with two wins, and for sure we’re gonna fight for positions,” said Capellas.
Elasewhere, Tajikistan pulled off a 1-0 home win over Timor-Leste.