The Philippines kept its hopes of advancing to the final stage after a 1-0 win over host Tajikistan on Sept. 7, 2025.
Defender Noah Leddel redirected captain Sandro Reyes’ corner in the 70th minute to help the Philippines secure the much needed three points and move up to second place with the host.
Syria is on top with six points after its 4-2 win over Nepal, which sits at the bottom.
On Tuesday, the Philippines will next face Nepal and will hope for a victory by Tajikistan over Syria so it could finish as the top team and earn outright qualification to the final stage.
A win by Syria over Tajikistan coupled with a victory by the Philippines over Nepal will see the Pinoys finish as the no. 2 team in the group and it will have to wait for the results of the other group to see it is one of the four best second-ranked teams.
“I think overall it was a tough game. Both sides were very intense but it was going to come down to a set piece goal ultimately and I think the boys dug in, showed really good heart to keep a clean sheet against a really good team and yeah just happy to come away with the win and get the three points,” said Leddel.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Nic Guimaraes was also a crucial factor in the win, clearing out two late shots from Azizbek Khaitov and Abubakr Sulaymonov.