MANILA — The Philippine men’s football team saw its bid to return to the AFC Asian Cup slip away after a frustrating 1-1 draw against Tajikistan, as a superior goal difference handed the hosts the lone qualifying spot in their final Group A clash Tuesday at Hisor Central Stadium in Dushanbe.
Needing nothing less than a victory, the Filipinos settled for a stalemate that left them level on 14 points with Tajikistan — but heartbreakingly short of qualification — extending their Asian Cup absence since their historic 2019 debut.
The Philippines struck first behind debutant Raphael Obermair, who delivered an early breakthrough in the 19th minute. Obermair calmly converted a well-placed cross from Randy Schneider with a low shot to give the visitors a crucial 1-0 lead.
But Tajikistan responded before halftime, with Shereddin Boboev unleashing a long-range effort in the 40th minute. The shot took a slight deflection that wrong-footed goalkeeper Kevin Ray Hansen, allowing the hosts to level the match at 1-1.
With their Asian Cup hopes hanging in the balance, the Filipinos pushed aggressively in the second half in search of a winner. Jesper Nyholm nearly delivered the decisive goal in the 85th minute but was denied by a crucial save, while Jarvey Gayoso squandered a final opportunity after blasting his volley over the crossbar.
The result ultimately proved costly, as Tajikistan advanced on goal difference, leaving the Philippines to rue missed chances in a must-win encounter.
With the qualification campaign ending in disappointment, the Philippine squad will now shift focus to the ASEAN Hyundai Cup set from July to August./PN
