The Philippine Men’s National Football Team kept its hopes alive for the continent’s biggest tournament with a 2-0 win over Maldives in the third round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on Tuesday at the Maldives National Football Stadium.
Jefferson Tabinas opened the scoring for Carlos Cuadrat’s side with a header in the 24th minute.
Midfielder Sandro Reyes then doubled the lead in the 37th minute, connecting with a precise assist from former UAAP Most Valuable Player Jarvey Gayoso to seal the win for the Philippines.
The goals from Tabinas and Reyes lifted the Philippines to second place in Group A after matchday five, bringing their points tally to 13 and a goal difference of +8.
Earlier in the day, Tajikistan climbed to the top of the group with a 5-0 away win over Timor-Leste, also reaching 13 points but holding a superior goal difference of +11.
With only the top team from Group A advancing to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, all eyes will be on the crucial showdown when Tajikistan hosts the Philippines on 31 March 2026.
For the Filipinos, only a win will secure their ticket to the big stage in Saudi Arabia.
