The Philippines yielded to Iraq in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers match last night in front of a capacity crowd at the Basra International Stadium in Basra, Iraq.
A late goal from Mohanad Ali in the 83rd minute was the lone difference that puts the Philippines at the bottom of in Group F ahead of the return leg on 26 March at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Led by captain Neil Etheridge and the defensive line of Amani Aguinaldo, Christian Rontini, Paul Tabinas, and Simen Lyngbo, the Philippines mounted a spirited defensive effort to frustrate Iraq for most of the match in Tom Saintfiet’s debut as Philippines head coach.
Ali had his initial chance in the 11th minute thwarted by Etheridge followed by an Ali Jasim header in the 18th minute that was again saved.
The hosts almost drew first blood in the 63rd minute, but Ali was flagged for offside.
With minutes left in the match, Amir Al Ammari sent a long ball to Ali that beat the offside trap and allowing the forward to send the ball past Etheridge for the winner.
