PH men's football team draws 2-2 with Tajikistan in Cuadrat's debut

The Philippine men's national football team drew 2-2 with Tajikistan in an AFC Asian Cup qualifying match, marking Carles Cuadrat's head coaching debut.

Bjorn Kristensen scored both goals for the Philippines in the 28th and 79th minutes, with the latter being a game-saving equalizer.

Tajikistan's goals came from Mabatshoev Shervoni in the 30th minute after a defensive error, and a penalty kick by Umarbaev Parvizdzhon in the 42nd minute.

The highly physical match saw 15 yellow cards issued, with eight to the Philippines.

Both teams are now tied at four points with one win and one draw each in Group A, but the Philippines remains at the top due to a superior goal difference.

The Philippines' next match is against Timor Leste on October 9.

Only the top team in each of the six groups will advance to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.