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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider PH booters edge Timor Leste, secure group lead

PH booters edge Timor Leste, secure group lead

Published Oct 15, 2025 01:43 pm

At A Glance

  • The Philippine men's football team bucked a slow start and turned back Timor-Leste, 3-1, to secure the lead in Group A of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers third round at the New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
(AFC)
(AFC)
The Philippine men’s football team bucked a slow start and turned back Timor-Leste, 3-1, to secure the lead in Group A of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers third round at the New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
After Joao Rangel put Timor-Leste ahead before halftime, the Nationals regrouped during the break and came out firing with three blistering goals en route to snaring their third win while staying unbeaten with one draw.
Timor-Leste tried to take the momentum on their side in the following minutes, but ultimately failed as strikes from Jefferson Tabinas (46’), Bjorn Kristensen (70'), and Javier Gayoso (90 '+1) were enough to seal the deal for the PH crew.
As they reaffirmed their mastery over the Timorese, the Filipino bets put them on top of the Group A standings despite tying with Tajikistan with 10 points with a higher goal difference. Timor-Leste, meanwhile, dropped with a 1-0-3 win-draw-loss card.
It was also their second straight victory after Kristensen’s four-goal performance in the Nationals’ 4-1 triumph over the same squad last Oct. 9.
Up next for the world No. 143 Filipinos is No. 171 Maldives, which is hosting their Nov. 18 face-off at its National Football Stadium.
Then the Filipino booters will have long respite in the qualifying tournament with their next assignment set March 21 next year against Tajikistan.
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