PH men's football team kicks off Asian Cup qualifiers final round with rout of Maldives

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Philippine men's national football team opened its 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers final round campaign with a 4-1 triumph against Maldives on Tuesday at the New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.

The Philippines got an early lead off a header by Jefferson Tabinas in the sixth minute then Bjorn Kristensen doubled the advantage with another goal in the 19th minute.

Maldives made the match interesting when Ali Fasir found the bottom of the net in the 62nd minute to stay within striking distance, only for newcomer Randy Schneider to answer with a goal in the 77th minute to restore the Philippines' two-point edge.

“I have great feelings since my first day here in the Philippines. The coach, the staff, and my motherland gave me a good feeling,” Schneider, who traces his maternal roots to Mandaluyong City, said after the game.

Sandro Reyes sealed the victory for the Philippines after scoring the fourth goal of the night in the 92nd minute.

With the win, the Philippines now holds the top spot in Group A with three points and a +3 goal difference.

The Philippines will next face Tajikistan in June.