TARLAC, Philippines—Strengthening its hold on the top spot in Group A of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, the Philippine men’s national football team staged a late comeback to defeat Timor-Leste, 3–1, at the New Clark City Stadium, Tuesday night, October 15.

Despite conceding an early goal, the Philippine men’s national football team mounted a commanding comeback to secure its win during the second half of the tournament.

Both goalkeepers, Kevin Mendoza for the Philippines and Junildo Manuel Pereira for Timor-Leste, made key saves early on to keep the match scoreless.

However, Timor-Leste drew first blood in the opening half as Joao Rangel found the back of the net with a clean strike past an open defense, giving his side a 1-0 advantage before halftime.

Moments into the second half, naturalized defender Jefferson Tabinas set the scoreline for the Philippines with a header off a corner on the 46th minute.

Momentum shifted fully in favor of the home side when midfielder Bjorn Kristensen fired in the go-ahead goal in the 70th minute, converting a precise cross from the opponents’ side.

Meanwhile, Timor-Leste aimed for an equalizer in the late-minutes, but the Filipinos’ backline held firm to preserve the win.

Further, Jarvey Gayoso secured the win in stoppage time, scoring in the last minute to cap the Philippines’ strong second-half win, igniting the home crowd and the final whistle.

With the result, the Philippines remained on top of Group A with 10 points, tied with Tajikistan but ahead on goal difference.

The Philippine men’s national football team will next face Maldives in an away fixture as the qualifying campaign continues on November 18.|

Article by James Magayon