MANILA — The Philippine Men’s National Football Team sent a strong message ahead of next month’s ASEAN Hyundai Cup campaign after dismantling Myanmar, 5-1, on Tuesday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium to cap its Tri-Nation Friendlies stint in dominant fashion.
The convincing victory not only showcased the Filipinos’ attacking depth but also provided a psychological boost heading into their Group B encounter against Myanmar in the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup, where the two sides are set to meet again.
The match likewise marked the return of veteran goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard, who earned his first international cap since June 2019.
Myanmar nearly seized the advantage in the 38th minute after finding the back of the net from close range, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
The Philippines capitalized on the reprieve and struck just before halftime. Red-hot forward Andrei Leipold, who netted two goals in the team’s previous match against Guam, delivered a setup to Jeff Tabinas, who converted in the 46th minute to hand the hosts a 1-0 lead entering the break.
The Filipinos continued to press after halftime and doubled their advantage in the 54th minute. Paul Tabinas broke through Myanmar’s backline and calmly finished past the goalkeeper after receiving a precise pass from Cole Mrowka, making it 2-0.
The home side tightened its grip on the match in the 80th minute when Seb Rasmussen finished from the left side off a pass from Scott Woods for his fifth international goal, extending the lead to 3-0.
Myanmar briefly threatened a comeback a minute later as Win Naing Tun capitalized on a defensive lapse and scored from close range to cut the deficit to 3-1.
Any hopes of a Myanmar rally were quickly extinguished as the Philippines responded with two late goals.
Leipold joined the scoring parade in the 88th minute after being set up by Pocholo Bugas, restoring a three-goal cushion for the hosts.
Moments into stoppage time, Bugas delivered his second assist of the night, finding an unmarked Rasmussen, who completed his brace and sealed the Philippines’ emphatic 5-1 triumph.
The victory capped a successful Tri-Nation Friendlies campaign for the Filipinos and provided valuable momentum as they prepare for the ASEAN Hyundai Cup, where they will once again face Myanmar in a crucial Group B showdown.
