The Philippines came back from going a goal behind to defeat Timor-Leste 3-1 in Manila on Tuesday to remain in pole position in Group A of the third round of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup finals.
João Rangel gave Timor-Leste the lead in first half stoppage time but goals from Jefferson Tabinas, Bjørn Kristensen and Jarvey Gayoso after the interval earned the Philippines a win that keeps them on top of the standings.
The Philippines have 10 points from four matches and lead Tajikistan on goal-difference with two rounds remaining. Only the winners of the group will qualify for the AFC Asian Cup, and the result ended Timor-Leste’s hopes of reaching the finals in Saudi Arabia.
Singapore pulled level with Hong Kong, China on eight points in Group C following a 2-1 win over India which came as a result of a brace by Song Ui-young. The win means the Singaporeans trail Hong Kong on goals scored.
Thailand handed Chinese Taipei a 6-1 thrashing in Taipei in Group D with Teerasak Poeiphimai scoring a hat-trick for Masatada Ishii’s team. Seksan Ratree and Supachok Sarachat were also on target before an own goal from Huang Tzu-ming completed the scoring.
Ishii’s side move onto nine points and trail Turkmenistan on their head-to-head record after four matches.
In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia notched up a fourth successive win with a come-from-behind 5-1 victory over Laos in Group F at Bukit Jalil Stadium.
Chanthavixay Khounthoumphone gave Laos a 19th minute lead but Faisal Halim levelled in the 59th minute before a brace from Romel Morales gave the Malaysians a two-goal cushion. A Khammanh Thapaseut own goal and a fifth from Paulo Josué completed the win for the home team.
Malaysia lead the standings by three points from Vietnam, who registered a 1-0 win over hosts Nepal as a result of Suman Sureshta’s fifth minute own goal.
Myanmar’s hopes in Group E were extinguished with a 3-0 loss in Yangon to leaders Syria while in Group B, Brunei’s elimination was confirmed with a 9-0 defeat at the hands of Yemen.
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