PH men’s team sets focus on Asean title
The return place in the AFC Asian Cup eluded the Philippine men’s football team yet again after only settling for a 1-1 draw against Tajikistan in the final match of the qualification phase for next year’s continental competition.
An equalizer minutes before halftime that came off a deflection proved to be the difference as the Philippines was left to watch Tajikistan secure its spot in the 2027 edition to be held in Saudi Arabia by virtue of topping Group A.
Coach Carles Cuadrat’s side came into the match needing a win to book a spot in the Asian Cup for only the second time in history, and it appeared early on that it would be the case when the debuting Raphael Obermair scored the opener in the 19th minute.
But the lead disappeared for the Philippines, and it started when a Philippine player was dispossessed, allowing Tajikistan to set up the decisive goal in its favor.
Sheriddin Boboev fired a low shot past the penalty area that hit Jesper Nyholm’s shin, resulting in the ball ricocheting to the right, which caught goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza off-guard.
Tajikistan advanced despite finishing tied with the Philippines at 14 points apiece due to a superior goal difference. Tajikistan had a goal difference of 11 while the Philippines had 10.
Heartbreaking end
Missing the Asian Cup came despite the Philippines going unbeaten in the qualifiers with six wins and two draws. The Philippines and Tajikistan played to a 2-2 tie during their first meeting last year in New Clark City, Tarlac.
That only summed up the heartbreaking end for the Philippines, which was hoping to replicate its qualification to the 2019 edition in the United Arab Emirates and will have to wait another four years for another crack at the Asian Cup.
The Philippines missed out on an Asian Cup berth in 2023 after failing to top the qualifiers the previous year in Mongolia.
With the Asian Cup quest done, the Philippines is now setting its sights on the prestigious Asean Championship, which will now be held in July instead of the usual November to December staging.
The Philippines is aiming to improve on its semifinal showing in 2024, narrowly missing a historic berth in the finals for the first time after losing to Thailand.
