Maldives improves in second half, but Philippines takes the win

The Philippines defeated the Maldives 2-0 with both goals scored in the first half. However, this result was not satisfying for the winning team.

In a post-match interview with PSM, Jefferson Tabinas, who scored the first goal for the Philippines, said that following Tajikistan's 5-0 victory over Timor-Leste, the Philippines had aimed to win against the Maldives by at least three goals. Tabinas spoke with clear dissatisfaction over failing to achieve that result.

"Before the match started, we knew that Tajikistan won 5-0 against Timor-Leste. So we came out to win by at least three goals. Unfortunately, we only scored two goals," Jefferson said, his disappointment visible.

"We are happy to win. But we have a lot of things we need to improve on."

The first half was difficult for the Maldivian team. However, in the second half, the Maldives managed to get into the game and tried to play their own style.

The Philippines scored their first goal in the 25th minute. Randy Schneider took a corner kick, and Jefferson Tabinas headed it into the goal. Tabinas was near the goal line inside the area, and the Maldivian defender was unable to mark him effectively.

The Maldives created the first scoring opportunity of the match. In the opening minute, Ibrahim Mahudhee Hussain (Feydhoo Ibbe) delivered a good cross into the Philippines' box. However, the Maldivian players who entered the area failed to capitalize, and the ball went out.

The Philippines' second goal was scored by Sandro Reyes from a low cross delivered easily into the area by Javier Gayoso. Reyes tapped the ball into the goal without difficulty.

Early in the second half, a pass from Ibbe put Naiz Hassan (Dhaadhu) through on goal, and he entered the Philippines' area. Naiz attempted to chip the ball over goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza. Mendoza reacted quickly, stretching for the ball. Although Dhaadhu's attempt was not perfect, the ball sailed gently high, and Mendoza managed to leap backward and catch it in the air.

The Philippines aimed to maintain possession, while the Maldives created several half-chances. The Maldivian defense effectively halted most Philippine attacks, particularly clearing a threatening free kick from Randy Schneider late in the match.

Sebastian Rasmussen had a key chance for the Philippines, shooting wide from outside the box. In the 85th minute, Maldivian player Ali Fasir had a notable opportunity but his shot went just wide of the post.