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The Philippine men’s national football team kept its 2027 AFC Asian Cup hopes alive with a 2–0 victory over the Maldives on Tuesday but missed the chance to control its own fate heading into the decisive final match of the qualifying round.

Despite goals from Jefferson Tabinas and Sandro Reyes in the first half at the National Football Stadium in Malé, the Azkals could not extend their lead—a missed opportunity that proved costly in the group standings.

While the Philippines improved to 13 points, it slipped to second place in Group A, level with Tajikistan but behind on goal difference after the Central Asians routed Timor-Leste, 5–0, in Darwin, Australia.

With Tajikistan taking the top spot, the two nations will now face off in March 2026 for the group’s lone ticket to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The crucial showdown will be held on Tajikistan’s home turf, meaning the Philippines will need nothing less than a win to qualify for only the second time in history, the first being in 2019.

Tabinas opened the scoring in the 24th minute, rising for a header off a set piece to record his third goal of the third-round qualifiers and fifth in his international career.

Reyes doubled the advantage in the 37th minute, receiving a short cross from Jarvey Gayoso inside the box before executing a cutback and curling the ball into the far corner. It was Reyes’ fifth goal for the national team.

Despite controlling much of the match, the Azkals were unable to add more goals—a factor that ultimately kept them from holding the outright lead in the group.

Now, all roads lead to March 2026, when the Philippines must deliver its biggest performance yet to return to Asia’s grandest stage.

The Philippine Men’s National Football Team dominated Maldives, 4-1, in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers during their rainy Tuesday evening clash.

Jefferson Tabinas scored the first goal in the 15th minute of the match, held at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.

A few minutes later, Bjorn Kristensen doubled the Philippines’ lead, making it 2-0 by the end of the first half.

Entering the second half, Ali Fasir of Maldives found the net in the 62nd minute, narrowing the score to 2-1.

In the following minutes, Randy Schneider made a spectacular debut, scoring in the 77th minute to extend the lead to 3-1. Later, in the 92nd minute, he assisted in setting up another goal. His first international goal provided the Philippines with a crucial cushion, securing the maximum three points in the final phase of the continental qualifiers.

"You can see it in the game—I felt good. The Philippines has welcomed me since day one, so I hope I can continue like this," Schneider said.

Meanwhile, Sandro Reyes sealed the game at 4-1, scoring the final goal and carrying the hopes of Filipino football fans. His crucial contribution came when it mattered most.

Coach Albert Capellas expressed his delight and satisfaction with the team's performance against Maldives.

He emphasized the importance of winning to qualify, noting that starting strong in the tournament was essential.

"Job done. These are the types of games we need to win if we want to qualify. It's always important to start with a win. With the point advantage, we are on top, and we can't wait to face Tajikistan next," Capellas said.

The PMNFT now holds a 1-0 record and will face Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, and Maldives again in the double-round robin format, which will conclude in March 2026.