The Philippine Men’s National Football Team wrapped up its 2024 Merdeka Cup campaign in disappointing fashion, finishing in fourth place after a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to Tajikistan.
The match, held Sunday at Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, ended in a goalless draw after regulation, forcing a dramatic shootout.
Jarvey Gayoso and Jefferson Tabinas were unfortunate in their attempts during the shootout, missing their penalties, which ultimately sealed the Filipinos’ fate.
Although Paul Tabinas, Alex Monis, and Christian Rontini successfully converted their penalties, it wasn’t enough as Tajikistan responded with three straight successful kicks.
Alisher Shukurov clinched the victory for the Tajiks with his decisive penalty.
The shootout marked an anticlimactic end to what was otherwise a solid performance by the Philippines.
Throughout the match, the team created several scoring opportunities, with Bjorn Kristensen, Sandro Reyes, Dylan Demuynck, and JB Borlongan all testing the Tajik defense.
Despite their efforts, none were able to break the deadlock.
“I’m very proud of the team. We played really well. We played with a lot of possession and I think we dominated the game and also had the most chances. So I think we deserved to win, but that’s football sometimes,” said Filipino goalkeeper Kevin Mendoza, reflecting on the team’s overall effort despite the loss.
Unfortunately, the defeat extended the Philippines’ winless streak to nine international matches, with their last victory coming on September 12, 2024 in a 2-1 win over Afghanistan at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The Filipinos will have another opportunity to end this slump when they compete in the 2024 King’s Cup in Thailand next month, where they hope to rediscover their winning form.
Philippines XI: Hansen (GK), P Tabinas, J Tabinas, Woods, Baldismo, Demuynck, Aguinaldo (C), Monis, Reyes, Reichelt, Kristensen.
Tajikistan XI: Baklov, Karimov, Safarov, Umarbaev, Khamrokulov, Sharipov, Shukurov, Akhtamov, Nazarov (C), Olimzoda, Samiev.
