PMNFT inches closer to Asian Cup berth with win over Maldives

The Philippine Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT) is one win away from cruising in another Asian Cup berth after clobbering Maldives, 2-0, during the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers at the National Football Stadium in Male, Maldives on Nov. 18.

With the dominant victory, the Filipinos improved to 13 points and pulled level with Tajikistan at the top of Group A, setting up next year’s decisive March 31 showdown for the group’s lone qualifying berth to Saudi Arabia.

Leading the early stretch, Jefferson Tabinas found the defense of the host country napping and registered his third goal in the tournament with a header from a left corner-kick in the 24th minute to draw first blood that made head coach Carles Cuadrat praise the bright execution.

“It’s good that we score in the set pieces… the set piece that we scored in the corner, it was something that we worked on during the training camp.” said Cuadrat.

Ten minutes later, Sandro Reyes doubled the Philippines’ lead with a left-strike from Jarvey Gayoso’s assist to power over Maldives Samooh Ali, converting his fifth international goal.

A stronger offensive push surfaced for the Philippines as Andre Leipold’s low header from just outside the six-yard box was denied by Maldives goalkeeper Mohammed Faisal’s quick reflexes, spoiling a promising chance for a 43rd-minute goal.

From that moment, the Filipino booters defense paid off after goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza heroics in the first five minutes of the second half, denying an open attack from Naiz Hassan.

The Filipinos stayed composed defensively, with Mendoza blocking another close-range shot from Ali Fasir in the 85th minute and held their lead until full-time.

PMNFT’s triumph posted a four wins and a draw, without a loss in Group A that sets up a do-or-die clash against Tajikistan with the same standing who hammered Timor Leste with a 5-0 demolition.

On the other hand, Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Anthony Gutierrez emphasized his ambition to build long-term goals and ensure the team competes consistently at the highest level in Asia and staying the right course under Coach Cuadrat’s clear vision for the national team.

“It’s a clear message—we need to win in Tajikistan,” said Cuadrat.

With reports from Philippine Football Federation (PFF)