Philippines stays alive in AFC U-23 Asian Cup after Noah Leddel’s heroics

The Philippine Men’s Under-23 National Team kept its AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers hopes alive after toppling Tajikistan, 2-0, courtesy of Noah Leddel on Sept. 7 at the Republican Central Stadium in Dushanbe.

With the match nil-nil in the 70th minute, captain Sandro Reyes’ corner kick found a running Leddel, who blasted one past the net and secured the win for the Philippines.

Leddel, a centre-back playing for Dynamic Herb Cebu in the Philippines Football League, lauded his teammates’ grit and heart after the host nations delivered them a tough game.

“I think overall it was a tough game. Both sides were very intense, but it was going to come down to a set-piece goal ultimately. The boys dug in, showed real heart to keep a clean sheet against a strong team, and I’m just happy to come away with the win and three points,” he said.

FT | 🇵🇭 Philippines 1-0 Tajikistan 🇹🇯

A narrow but priceless victory for the Philippines as they stay in the hunt for #AFCU23 qualification from Group K! pic.twitter.com/gi9XRkdLaO

— #WAC2026 (@afcasiancup) September 6, 2025

The win marks the Philippines’ first win – their second ever in the tourney – since 2023, when they defeated Bangladesh, 1-0.

The Philippines is currently tied with Tajikistan with three points in Group C, but bottom of the second-placed table.

Only the top four teams in the second-seeded table will have a chance to compete in the final tournament in Saudi Arabia next year.

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