AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: PMNT beats Maldives but still face must-win situation in March

The Philippine men’s national football team beat Maldives, 2-nil, in their Group A contest in the third round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers at the Maldives National Football Stadium on Tuesday.

The result kept them at pace of the top spot in Group A with 13 points, however, they lag behind current group leaders Tajikistan by virtue of goal difference.

The Philippines needed to win by three goals or more to be level with or overtake Tajikistan in the standings heading into their March 31 match next year. But because they only scored the two goals, the Philippines must now win over Tajikistan to qualify to the Asian Cup.

As it stands, a draw would send Tajikistan to the main tournament because of the superior goal difference.

Jefferson Tabinas netted the Philippines’ first goal against Maldives at the 24th minute to pull the visitors ahead.

Sandro Reyes then added to the cushion at the 37th minute to make it a dominant 2-nil lead at the end of the first 45 minutes.

However, the Philippines could not find their finishing kick in the final 45 that would’ve given them a better chance of advancing to the final tournament, as only the six group winners get the ticket.

Despite being left wanting with the result, the Philippines still have their fate in their hands in the showdown vs. Tajikistan.

A win would net the Philippines all three points and propel them to the top of the standings.

The Philippines and Tajikistan had a 2-2 draw in front of more than 10,000 fans in New Clark City Stadium last June.

The Philippines is aiming to make only its second appearance in the AFC Asian Cup and first since 2019.

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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.

Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.