They are now looking forward to to the upcoming ASEAN Championship in July.
On Tuesday, March 31, the Philippine Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT) competed in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers Cup at the Hisor Staidum in Tajikistan.
During which, they competed against the host country in the Group A of the tournament.
In the 19th minuyte of the match, the Philippines’ Randy Schneider gave the country an early advantage, but Tajikistan responded before halftime, with Sheriddin Boboev getting a goal in the 41st minute.
With that, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, with the Philippines ending with 14 points from four wins and two draws.
Despite its performance and being level on points with the Tajikistan, the Philippine team narrowly missed out on qualification, with the Central Asian side advancing to the finals on a narrow +1 goal difference.
In a statement, Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Anthony Gutierrez commended the PMNFT.
“This team has shown tremendous character and growth throughout the qualifiers, finishing unbeaten against strong opposition until the very end,” he said. “We move forward with pride, and gratitude to all the supporters from home and abroad.“
Gutierrez also emphasized that this campaign of the national team has “laid a formidable foundation to build on for the future.”
Up next for the PMNFT is the upcoming ASEAN Championship in July 2026.