| Bjorn Kristensen scores goal for the Philippines vs. Maldives. Joseph Santivictores |
MANILA - The Philippine Men's National Football Team kicked off their Asian Cup Qualifiers with three points in the bag after their 4-1 win vs. Maldives, Wednesday night at the New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.
Jeff Tabinas, fresh from his ACL 2 stint with Buriram United, opened the floodgates of the NCC Stadium to score an early lead for the Nationals at the 6th minute, thanks to his brother, Paul Tabinas who was an assistant for that goal.
10 minutes after that goal, Bjorn Kristensen doubled the lead for the Philippines.
This was after Randy Schneider caught off the poor defensive clearance of the Maldives and quickly found Kristensen in a one-on-one situation with Hussain Shareef but the Maldivian keeper failed to tap Kristensen's rocket goal which went straight to the net.
Before first half ended, Zico Bailey wanted to triple their lead but went hit crossbar while Santi Rublico, who looking for his first international goal, attempted to score but Shareef came to intervene.
However, the slow fluidity for the men's team signaled the opportunity for the Maldives to take advantage until they scored anxiety-serving goal at the 62nd minute after the Philippines' defense went void, 2-1 as the visitors impurified Kevin Mendoza's supposedly clean sheet.
But, the anxiety was coped out after Randy Schneider scored an insurance 3-1 lead for the Nationals coming from the beautiful feed by Sandro Reyes who located his potential scoring opportunity at the 77th minute.
Schneider with his debut international assist and goal wearing PMNFT kit.
Not enough for the Philippines as Reyes put the nail into coffin as he quadrupled the score line to 4-1 at 90+1 minute of the injury time, thanks to assist by Josef Baccay who came off from the bench at the start of the second half.
The Philippines enjoys the full three points and leadership in Group A with high goal difference against Tajikistan who settled only one goal win vs. Timor Leste.
The PMNFT will host their rivals, Tajikistan in June.
The second duel vs. Maldives will continue on November 18 at National Stadium in Male.
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