Philippines booters battle Tajiks in KO duel

MANILA, Philippines — The 2027 AFC Asian Cup is within sight and the Philippine men’s football team is bent on reaching it.

The Pinoy booters go all out against an equally determined Tajikistan side tonight at the latter’s home turf, the Hisor Stadium, as they dispute a coveted ticket to the continental meet at the conclusion of the AC Qualifiers.

The Tajiks and the Filipinos are level on points atop Group A with 13 markers on four wins and one draw going to the last window. But with the hosts enjoying the edge on goal difference, +11 against +10, coach Carles Cuadrat’s charges would need a victory, nothing less, in the 10 p.m. match (Manila time) to advance.

“We will approach the match against Tajikistan with the intention of securing three points and qualifying for the next AFC Cup,” said Cuadrat after concluding their training camp in Turkey for this virtual KO gig on the road.

The Philippines and Tajikistan battled to a 2-2 draw in the first leg over in Clark and for the Tajiks, a similar stalemate in the return leg would be enough to send them through as Group A winner.

As it embarks on the mission to return to the Asian Cup after its maiden appearance in 2019, the Philippines assembled a crack crew led by Fil-German winger Raphael Obermair.