Philippines down Maldives to inch closer to AFC Asian Cup slot

The Philippine Men’s National Football Team inched closer to a spot to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup after toppling Maldives in the third round of qualifiers at the Maldives National Football Stadium on Tuesday, Nov. 18.

The Philippines improved to second place in Group A with 13 points and a +8 goal difference, while the Maldives remain pointless in fourth place.

It was midfielder Jefferson Tabinas who drew first blood after a header from a corner kick found its mark in the 24th minute.

Then, Sandro Reyes, off of a stellar assist from Jarvey Gayoso, extended the Philippines’ lead before halftime with a brilliant left-footed strike in the 40th minute.

The Maldives became more aggressive in the second half but failed to convert on several key chances.

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WHAT A GOAL BY SANDRO REYES AND WHAT AN ASSIST BY JARVEY GAYOSO!!! 🤌😮‍💨

PHILIPPINES WITH THE 2-0 LEAD 🙏🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/FbRggKTfh6

— K 💫 (@keifornal) November 18, 2025

Bjorn Kristensen and Sebastian Rasmussen looked to add on to the Filipinos’ lead but could not convert before the final whistle blew.

Tajikistan, which grabbed a 5-0 victory against Timor-Leste, topped the standings with an identical 13 points to the Filipinos but holds a superior +11 goal difference.

With only one team allowed to advance in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, the Philippines will play host to Tajikistan on March 31, 2026.

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