Philippines climbs to top of Asian Cup Qualis Group A after comeback win over Timor-Leste

The Philippines is back on top of Group A.

The Philippine Men’s National Football Team surged to the group lead in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers after rallying from a goal down to defeat Timor-Leste, 3–1, on Tuesday night at the New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.

Building on their 4–1 victory in the first leg just days earlier, the home side entered the match eyeing a third straight win in the qualification round.

But things didn’t come easy for Carlos Cuadrat’s men, who were stunned right before halftime.

Joao Rangel sliced through the Philippine defense from the left flank and fired a thunderous strike in the 45+1 minute, giving Timor-Leste a shock 1–0 advantage heading into the break.

That wake-up call lit a fire under the hosts.

Barely a minute into the second half, defender Jefferson Tabinas equalized off a corner kick in the 46th minute, sparking a strong response from the Philippines.

Bjørn Kristensen — the same man who tormented Timor-Leste in their previous encounter — then gave the Philippines the upper hand in the 70th minute. He calmly slotted home the go-ahead goal to complete the turnaround.

Two-time UAAP champion Jarvey Gayoso sealed the deal in stoppage time, slotting in a 90+1-minute goal that sent the home crowd into celebration and capped a dominant second-half performance.

With the win, the Philippines climbed to first place in Group A with 10 points and a +8 goal difference, edging Tajikistan (10 points, +6 GD) on superior scoring after the latter’s 3–0 away win over the Maldives earlier in the day.

Timor-Leste, meanwhile, slipped to third with three points, while the Maldives remained at the bottom of the table without a win.

All four teams will return to action on November 18.

The Philippines will head to Malé to face the Maldives at the National Football Stadium at 6:30 PM (Manila time), while Timor-Leste will take on Tajikistan in Australia.

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