The Philippine men’s national football team (PMNFT) opened its 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers (ACQ) final round Group A with a convincing 4-1 win against tough AFC rival Maldives in its debut at the New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac on Tuesday.
Newcomer winger Randy Schneider figured in three goals, setting up a Tabinas brothers goal (Jeff scoring and Paul assisting) in the sixth minute, issuing an assist to Bjorn Kristensen’s goal in the 19th minute off a Manny Ott midfield interception, and padding the Philippines’ lead, 3-1 in the 77th minute, by scoring his first international goal.
“I have great feelings since my first day here in the Philippines. The coach, the staff, and my motherland gave me a good feeling,” the former Swiss U20 standout, who traces his maternal roots to Mandaluyong City, said after the game.
“[But] the expectations are high now and hopefully we can get through like this in the next games,” he continued.
Sandro Reyes finished the game in the game’s final minute with his fourth international goal off an assist by Schneider’s fellow newcomer Josef Baccay.
“I want to say thank you to the players who chose to stay here,” remarked Philippine head coach Albert Capellas about the debuting players. “We have one more, we have very good players I tell you and I think there will be a bright future for the Philippine national team.”
Maldives, a team that had not lost by one goal to the Philippines and previously forced a 1-1 draw in the 2023 ACQ four years ago, challenged the Philippines in the 62nd minute, when Ali Fasir scored off a Hussain Sifaau Yoosuf right cross from the counterattack.
“What a great way to grace this stadium. I’m happy for our team but I’m happier for all the fans who traveled to Clark. That show of support has been fantastic and we’re excited for the upcoming games,” said Philippine Football Federation President John Gutierrez.
PMNFT will next face Group A top seed Tajikistan in June.
