BJORN Kristensen rescued the Philippines in the second half with the go-ahead goal to repulse Timor-Leste, 3-1, on Tuesday night in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers final round at the New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.
Kristensen broke the deadlock with a short blast inside the box from a pass by Jesper Nyholm in the 70th minute to salvage the victory after conceding the first goal in the Philippines’ final home match of the Asian Cup qualifiers.
The Filipino striker was fresh from scoring four goals in their 4-1 win over Timor-Leste last Thursday in Darwin, Australia.
The Philippines remained unbeaten and on pace to secure the lone Asian Cup berth in Group A by winning its third match and improving to 10 points in the standings.
Tajikistan defeated Maldives, 3-0, in the other Group A match-up of the day to also move to 10 points but is at second place due to goal difference.
“This is a good six points for the team,” said Kristensen. “We know Timor-Leste is a good team. Good system. We trust each other and I’m very proud of the team.”
PMNT, however, survived some shaky moments with Joao Rangel scoring a goal outside the penalty box just before halftime to trail, 1-0, at the break. But the Nationals responded quickly with Jefferson Tabinas equalizing just one minute after the restart before the Kristensen goal.
The Philippines got the insurance from Jarvey Gayoso in the 90th minute for a two-goal cushion.
The final two matches of the Philippines in the Asian Cup qualifiers will be on the road beginning on November 18 where it will face Maldives in Male, and Tajikistan on March 31, 2026.
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