Filipino-Norwegian striker Bjorn Kristensen continued his scoring spree in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers, emerging as the tournament’s most prolific scorer so far.
The 23-year-old standout netted his eighth goal of the campaign to help the Philippines rally past Timor-Leste, 3–1, in their Group A clash on Tuesday evening at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.
Standing at 6-foot, Kristensen put the Filipinos ahead in the 70th minute, breaking a 1–1 deadlock as the hosts went on to share the group lead with Tajikistan, which blanked the Maldives, 3–0, in an away match at the National Stadium in Male.
Timor-Leste struck first through Joao Rangel, who unleashed a long-range strike that sailed past Philippine keeper Kevin Ray Mendoza and found the top-right corner of the net in first-half stoppage time.
But the Filipinos responded swiftly. Jefferson Tabinas equalized just a minute into the second half, charging forward from defense to slot home the tying goal.
Kristensen then restored the momentum for the hosts, coolly finishing off Jesper Nyholm’s cross to put the Philippines ahead.
Capping the night, Javier Gayoso sealed the 3–1 victory with a left-footed strike in the 90th minute, after Timor-Leste failed to clear a dangerous free kick inside the box.
With the win, the Philippines bolstered its hopes of advancing to the next stage of the qualifiers while showcasing a more confident and cohesive attack led by Kristensen’s stellar form.
