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| Bjorn Kristensen scored four goals vs. Timor Leste. PFF |
By: Gil Moriones
MANILA -- Another magical scene for Bjorn Kristensen was witnessed after he scored four goals enough for the Philippine Men's National Football Team to brace another winning result vs. Timor Leste, 4-1, in the continuing 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, Thursday night and held at Territory Rugby League Stadium at Darwin, Australia.
Sandro Reyes found Kristensen on his left and Bjorn converted his first goal for the Philippines after he rebounded the ball which initially saved by the Timorese custodian at the 15th minute.
Then another free run by Kristensen after he successfully escaped the defenders and scored his second goal for the Nationals happened at the 31st minute to leave the first half into 2-0 score.
Two minutes after the start of the 2nd half, team captain Paulo Freitas gave the glimmering hope for the Timorese after he scored a goal through his speed and made PMNFT defenders not able to pursue him, 2-1 in the 47th minute.
But the Philippines responded quickly to remove their one-goal cushion as Dylan Demuynck attempted to cross after he located Kristensen which was initially intercepted by Timorese defender and tapped by their goalkeeper but the ball was perfectly rebounded again by Bjorn and converted his third goal for the Philippines with his easy header, 3-1 at the 49th minute.
Reyes again recorded his second assist of the match after being involved with Kristensen's fourth goal after his beautiful ball through making free run for Bjorn at the 56th minute.
With his four goals, Kristensen is now the scoring leader of the entire Asian Cup Qualifiers scoring seven goals in the three qualifiers matches - scored one vs. Maldives last March 25, two goals vs. Tajikistan last June 10, and four goals for this latest match.
The PMNFT will wrap up their qualifiers campaign against Timor-Leste once again in their final home fixture on October 14 at the New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.
