Bjørn Kristensen delivered a stellar two-goal performance to help the Philippine Men’s National Football Team secure a 2-2 draw against Tajikistan in the third qualifying round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup on Tuesday at the New Clark City Stadium in Tarlac.
Kristensen, now with eight goals in just 13 international appearances, struck the equalizer in the 79th minute after capitalizing on a defensive lapse by the Tajikistan backline. The shot salvaged a crucial point for the home side in front of 10,854 fans.
The Filipino-Norwegian forward’s brace ensured that Carles Cuadrat’s squad remained unbeaten in Group A, despite falling behind just before halftime.
Kristensen had given the Philippines a dream start in the 28th minute, heading home after Gerrit Holtmann’s free kick ricocheted off the crossbar.
However, the visitors responded quickly.
Just two minutes later, a poor clearance from Jefferson Tabinas allowed Mabatshoev Shervoni to fire a shot that slipped past goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza, leveling the match at 1-1.
Tajikistan then took the lead in the 42nd minute.
Umarbaev Parvizdzhon calmly converted a penalty awarded by Iranian referee Hasan Akrami, following a foul by Jesper Nyholm on midfielder Ehson Panshanbe inside the box.
Despite trailing at halftime, the Philippines fought back, and Kristensen’s late equalizer preserved their top spot in Group A.
Both teams now sit on four points after two matches, but the Philippines hold the edge with a superior goal difference of +3 compared to Tajikistan’s +1.
Both sides will resume their campaigns on October 9. The Philippines will travel to face Timor Leste, while Tajikistan will host the Maldives in Dushanbe.
Philippines XI: Mendoza (GK), P Tabinas, J Tabinas, Nyholm, Reyes, Ott ©, Kristensen, Schneider, Baccay, Holtmann, Bailey.
Tajikistan XI: Rustam (GK), Dzhuraboev, Manuchehr, Hanonov, Parvizdzhon, Juraboev, Amadoni, Shervoni, Panshanbe, Nazarov ©, Shahrom.
