Bjørn Kristensen brace salvages draw for Philippines against Tajikistan in Asian Cup Qualis

 

Bjørn Kristensen delivered a stellar two-goal performance to help the Philippine Men’s National Football Team secure a 2-2 draw against Tajikistan in the third qualifying round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup on Tuesday at the New Clark City Stadium in Tarlac.

Kristensen, now with eight goals in just 13 international appearances, struck the equalizer in the 79th minute after capitalizing on a defensive lapse by the Tajikistan backline. The shot salvaged a crucial point for the home side in front of 10,854 fans.

The Filipino-Norwegian forward’s brace ensured that Carles Cuadrat’s squad remained unbeaten in Group A, despite falling behind just before halftime.

Kristensen had given the Philippines a dream start in the 28th minute, heading home after Gerrit Holtmann’s free kick ricocheted off the crossbar.

However, the visitors responded quickly.

Just two minutes later, a poor clearance from Jefferson Tabinas allowed Mabatshoev Shervoni to fire a shot that slipped past goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza, leveling the match at 1-1.

Tajikistan then took the lead in the 42nd minute.

Umarbaev Parvizdzhon calmly converted a penalty awarded by Iranian referee Hasan Akrami, following a foul by Jesper Nyholm on midfielder Ehson Panshanbe inside the box.

Despite trailing at halftime, the Philippines fought back, and Kristensen’s late equalizer preserved their top spot in Group A.

Both teams now sit on four points after two matches, but the Philippines hold the edge with a superior goal difference of +3 compared to Tajikistan’s +1.

Both sides will resume their campaigns on October 9. The Philippines will travel to face Timor Leste, while Tajikistan will host the Maldives in Dushanbe.

https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/bjorn-kristensen-brace-salvages-draw-for-philippines-against-tajikistan-in-asian-cup-qualis/339752

AFC Asian Cup Qualifier - Philippines 2-2 Tajikistan

 

28 Min 1-0 Kristensen

30 Min 1-1 Mabatshoyev

42 mins 1-2 Umarbayev

1-2 HT

2-2 Kristensen

𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘! Tajikistan 7:00 PM PHT New Clark City Athletics Stadium Watch us LIVE on our official Facebook Page, official Youtube channel, Pilipinas Live, OneSports+, and OneSports

International Women's Friendly - Philippines 0-1 Chinese Taipei

 Official livestream :

PHILIPPINES vs CHINESE TAIPEI OFFICIAL FRIENDLY MATCH

The Philippine Men’s National Football Team announces that Albert Capellas’ time as head coach has come to a close

 

May 31, 2025 ; MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Men’s National Football Team announces that Albert Capellas’ time as head coach has come to a close. Recently appointed assistant, Carles Cuadrat, is set to take on the responsibility of leading the team in the interim.

"My wonderful journey as head coach of the Philippine National Football Federation has come to an end and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have been part of it especially the players and all the staff involved, the Director of National Teams Freddy Gonzalez, and the President John Gutierrez,” said Albert Capellas in a statement.

“Together, we have enjoyed an inspiring journey and have proven that Filipino football has a promising generation of young players with the potential to bring great pride and success to

the country. I am sincerely grateful for the time we have shared and for the support and kindness I’ve received from the entire Filipino football community. I will always carry these memories with me and wish the Federation and the team continued growth and success in the years to come. With gratitude, Albert Capellas.”

Capellas’ departure ends an eight-month spell that included an historic first-ever semi-final victory in the ASEAN Championships, and a first victory over Thailand in five decades. He leaves the team having provided a triumphant start to the country’s Asian Cup Qualifying campaign, with a 4-1 victory over Maldives at the New Clark City Stadium in March.

“Personal reasons have led to Albert’s departure. Out of great respect for him, we will not elaborate. We are grateful for his service, and wish him well. I continue to consider him a friend.”, said Men’s Team Manager and Director of Senior National Football Teams, Freddy Gonzalez.

“As with all things in life, change happens and one must always be prepared to handle unexpected turns. We move on, and keep pushing forward. Albert left us with a blueprint to follow and we thank him for bringing Carles on board, enabling him to be the interim head coach and provide continuity for what Albert has started. Now is the time to focus on the match with Tajikistan and push to be top of the group and focus on qualifying for the Asian

Cup.”

Carles Cuadrat will bring vast experience, having worked with the National Teams of Saudi Arabia and El Salvador, as well as top European clubs like Barcelona Youth, Galatasaray and Midtjylland. Most recently, as head coach he steered East Bengal FC to their first trophy in over a decade.

The Philippines next plays recent Asian Cup Quarterfinalists, Tajikistan, on June 10 at the New Clark City Stadium. The Asian Cup Qualifying match will kickoff at 7:00PM. Tickets are

available at www.ticketmax.ph. The game will also be aired on One Sports, One Sports+, and Pilipinas Live.

Direct Link to Match Tickets: https://www.ticketmax.ph/.../afc-asian-cup-2027.../

Photo and press release courtesy of Philippine Men's National Football Team

PFF Women's League - Saturday's matches

UP  0-5 Kaya FC

UST 1-12 Capital 1 Solar Strikers

Women's friendly - Philippines 0-1 Chinese Taipei

Chinese Taipei won 1-0 against Philippines in a closed door friendly at Rizal Memorial Stadium today Friday at 7 pm.

ASEAN U23 Championship

 

AFC U23 Qualifiers

 

AFC U23 Qualifiers :

Philippines in group K with host Tajikistan , Syria and Nepal

"The 44 sides were drawn into 11 groups for the Qualifiers, which will be contested on September 1-9, 2025.

"The 11 group winners and four best best-ranked runners-up will join Saudi Arabia, who are hosting the tournament for the first time, in January's Finals."