By: Gil Moriones
CAPAS, Tarlac -- Bjorn Kristensen delivered a heroic performance for the Philippine Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT), scoring both goals in a thrilling 2-2 draw against visiting Tajikistan in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday night at New Clark City Athletic Stadium, in front of a crowd of 10,854.
The PMNFT found themselves under pressure after trailing 2-1 at halftime, but Kristensen’s late equalizer salvaged a crucial point for the hosts.
The first half was marked by heavy physicality, with Iranian referee Hasan Akrami issuing 15 yellow cards—seven to Tajikistan and eight to the Philippines.
The home crowd erupted in the 27th minute when Kristensen headed in a rebound off the crossbar, following a powerful free-kick from Gerrit Holtmann. The shot left Tajik goalkeeper Yatimov Rustam rooted, as the Philippines took a 1-0 lead.
However, just three minutes later, Tajikistan equalized after a costly error by Filipino goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza, who fumbled a tame shot that rolled into the net. The goal was credited to Mabatshoev Shervoni, his eighth in his international goal records.
Tajikistan took the lead in the 41st minute via a penalty kick, awarded after a foul committed by Josef Baccay just inside the box during a counterattack. Umarbaev Parvizdzhon calmly slotted the ball into the top left corner, giving the visitors a 2-1 advantage going into halftime.
The second half saw the Philippines dominate possession and chances, and their efforts paid off in the 79th minute.
A defensive lapse from Tajikistan allowed an unmarked Kristensen to pounce on a through ball and slot it in with his left foot, leveling the score at 2-2.
Kristensen, who plays for KFUM-Kameratene Oslo, now has three goals in this qualifying campaign and eight overall since debuting for the national team last year.
Both the Philippines and Tajikistan now sit on four points each in Group A, but the Philippines hold the top spot on goal difference, thanks to their 4-1 win over the Maldives in March.
Next up for the PMNFT is a back-to-back clash against emerging side Timor-Leste, who earlier edged the Maldives 1-0. The home-away matches are scheduled for October 9 and 14.
