Pinoy booters outclass Maldivians

MANILA, Philippines — Bolstered by exciting new additions, the Philippines beat Maldives, 4-1, to take pole position in Group A at the start of the AFC Asian Qualifiers Tuesday in Capas, Tarlac.

The Filipinos turned in a dominant performance at the New Clark City Stadium, storming to a 2-0 lead in the first 45 minutes then offsetting the Maldivians’ breakthrough goal with two outstanding strikes in the last 17 minutes.

The three-goal home victory put Albert Capellas’ side to the top of the table with three points ahead of fellow opening-night winner Tajikistan on goal difference. The Tajiks, quarterfinalists in the 2019 Asian Cup, scored a rather dull 1-0 disposal of lightweight Timor Leste over in Dushanbe.

“Job done. It’s these kinds of games that we have to win if we want to qualify (for the 2027 AC),” said Capellas, whose charges will seek to make it two in a row in a marquee home duel with Tajikistan in June.

“At home in our first game, it’s always important to start with a win. There’s also a difference of goals and now we’re in the top and we can’t wait to play Tajikistan at home.”

Fil-Swiss Randy Schneider introduced himself to Asian football and Philippine fans as he figured prominently in the first three goals and won Man of the Match honors.