The Philippine Men’s Under-23 National Football team was able to end their elimination schedule on a high note as they beat Nepal last night, September 9.
Future of Philippine Football in Full Display
Battling a team with nothing on the line other than pride and glory for their country, the Philippines remained focused on playing against a winless Nepal squad.
Besides, it’s the PMNFT U-23 team that needs a victory to move on to the next round.
Photo Credits: AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers
After a cagey opening half-hour, where the Filipinos created several chances but failed to convert, persistence finally paid off. Otu Banatao broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute, meeting a perfectly weighted through ball from skipper Sandro Reyes with a looping header that sailed over goalkeeper Amit Tamatta.
Just six minutes later, the Philippines doubled their lead. Javier Mariona, fouled inside the box by Bishal Nepali, coolly dispatched the resulting penalty, sending Tamatta the wrong way to make it 2-0 heading into halftime.
Nepal struggled to find rhythm throughout the match and managed only one real attempt at goal in the 75th minute, a long-range strike from Abinash Syangtan, but Filipino goalkeeper Nicholas Guimaraes produced a spectacular diving save to preserve the clean sheet.
Photo Credits: AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers
The Filipinos then tightened their grip in the closing stages. In the 81st minute, Tamatta spilled a powerful effort from Reyes, allowing Dov Cariño to pounce on the rebound and slot home from close range for 3-0.
Just four minutes later, captain Reyes capped off his stellar performance with a curling 25-yard free kick that flew past the diving Tamatta, sealing the win and sparking celebrations from the Philippine bench.
FINAL SCORE: PHILIPPINES 4 – 0 NEPAL
Best Performance in Tournament History
Photo Credits: AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers
Sandro Reyes and company didn’t just get a win but they also made history with the Philippines’ best performance in the entire history of the AFC Qualifiers.
4-0 score at the Republican Central Stadium in Dushanbe was a testament that the future of Philippine Football is in good hands.
Screenshot from AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers: Fixtures & Standings
With the victory, the Philippines wrapped up Group K with a 2-0-1 record, collecting six points and a +4 goal difference. The result secured them second place in the group, behind hosts Tajikistan, and gave the young squad their best-ever tally in the qualifiers.
Qualification for the AFC U23 Asian Cup now depends on results from other groups, as only the group winners and the four best second-placed teams will progress to the tournament proper in Saudi Arabia next year.
Regardless of the final outcome, the campaign stands as a landmark achievement for Philippine football, showcasing the growth and potential of its next generation of players.
