The Philippines rallied from a goal down to take down Timor-Leste, 3-1, to secure the top spot in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Group A, at the New Clark City Stadium on October 14.
The Carles Cuadrat-led team struggled to find the back of the net in the first 45 minutes of the match despite creating a lot of chances, but a 45+1 minute Timor-Leste opener via Joao Rangel proved to be a thorn for the home team heading to the second half.
Despite not converting any previous chances, the Philippines erased the lead after Jonathan Tabinas headed the ball to the goal off a corner kick a minute after the second frame started, shining a ray of hope for the hosts.
Bjørn Kristensen, the same man who torched Timor-Leste in the previous matchup, gave the Philippines the upper hand in the 70th minute, calmly netting the go-ahead goal to complete the comeback.
Former Ateneo de Manila University standout Jarvey Gayoso sealed the deal for the Philippines with a goal off a Timor-Leste missed clearance in injury time, capping off the dominant second half for the home side.
Timor-Leste had the upper hand in the first half, culminating with Rangel slicing through the Filipino defense before curling the ball to the net, putting them ahead in the injury time.
The Timorese tried to equalize throughout the entire second half, but they could not break off the firm defense of the 2024 ASEAN Championship semi-finalists.
With the victory, the Philippines strengthened its grip at the top of Group A, ahead of Tajikistan through goal difference.
The Philippines will aim to maintain its Group A standing in its match versus Maldives this November 18.
