THE Philippines’ bid to make it to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup ended in heartbreak when it drew with Tajikistan in their final game of the qualifiers on Tuesday in Tashkent.
The Pinoy booters looked on pace to meet the requirement to clinch their second-ever Asian Cup berth - a victory - when Germany 2.Bundesliga campaigner Raphael Obermair struck in his senior national team debut in the 19th minute for the visitors.
But Tajikistan leveled with a goal from Sheriddin Boboev in the 40th to the delight of the capacity crowd at the Hisor Central Stadium.
Tajikistan's defense held on until the final whistle to close the third and final round of the qualifiers atop Group A with 14 points after a 4-2-0 win-draw-loss and a +11 goal difference.
The Philippines also had 14 points but had an inferior goal difference of +10.
Only the top team per group will advance to the Asian Cup.
PMNT had a five-day training camp in Turkey in preparation for the match, although it also missed the services of Geritt Holtmann due to an injury early in the camp.
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