The Philippines had its best outing in the Asian Football Confederation U23 qualifiers, routing Nepal, 4-0, but it wasn’t enough to secure a spot in the final stage.
Needing a win to at least be in contention for one of the best four runner-up spots, the Philippines delivered on Tuesday night, dominating winless Nepal from start to finish.
After failing to take advantage from their early chances, Otu Banatao finally gave the Philippines the lead in the 33rd after heading in Sandro Reyes’ corner, while Javier Mariona converted from the spot kick in the 39th to make it 4-0.
In the 81st, Dov Carino pounced on a rebound to make it 3-0, while Reyes’ solo effort and a brilliant curler got the Philippines up by four for its best showing in the tournament.
The Philippines finished second in the group, and was seventh overall among the second-ranked teams, with China (seven points), Uzbekistan, (7), Lebanon (7), and the UAE (6, +14 GD), all advancing to the final stage.
Despite losing out on a spot in the final stage, the team’s performance was its best showing in the tournament, having just won one match in the previous edition.