BJORN Martin Kristensen cemented his place as one of the great offensive threats the country has known as he scored all four goals in the Philippines 4-1 win over Timor Leste in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in Darwin, Australia.
The Philippines is now tied with Tajikistan in the Group A with seven points and is set to face Timor Leste anew on Oct. 14 to solidify its chances of making it to the continental competition for just the second time in history.
Kristensen got his first in the 15th off a rebound and made it 2-0 with a solo run in the 31st minute.
Timor Leste cut the lead just two minutes into the second half but Kristensen doused their hopes for a quick comeback, pouncing on another rebound in the 49th before completing his four-goal tally in the 56th minute.
Kristensen’s performance against Timor Leste is the best showing of a Filipino striker since Phil Younghusband also slotted four goals against Cambodia when the Philippines won, 8-0, on March 24, 2013 during the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers.
Kristensen, who made his debut for the senior team last year, is now tied for sixth with James Younghusband in the top 10 international scorers for the Philippines with 12 goals, tallying it in just 14 matches.
The only active player in the list and at only 23 years old, Bjorn will rise high in the list and could supplant Phil Younghusband, the No. 1 with 52 goals.