Philippines XI out to boost drive

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines seeks to repeat against winless Maldives today in the penultimate game of the Qualifiers in Male and boost its stock in the race for the lone ticket to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

The Filipinos (10 points) are locked in a tight battle with Tajikistan (10 points) for supremacy in the group, leading on goal difference, +8 versus +6.

Thus, they would need maximum points and goals in the 6:30 p.m. (Manila time) clash at the Maldives National Stadium to stay ahead against the Tajiks, who are favored to beat Timor Leste (three points) in Darwin.