Randy Schneider shines in debut as PMNFT kicks off 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers with win over Maldives

The Philippine men’s national football team kicked off its campaign in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers with a convincing victory over visiting Maldives, 4-1, on Tuesday night, in the New Clark City Athletics Stadium, Capas Tarlac here.

Randy Schneider made a fantastic debut for the Philippines that saw him deliver an all-around contribution in his first cap.

After finishing dead-last in the group stage of the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup joint qualifiers last year, the Philippines was relegated to the qualification round of the continental meet.

Not only did the Filipinos come up short of inching closer to what could be a historic World Cup appearance, but it also failed to earn an outright berth in the Asian Cup slated in Saudi Arabia in 2027.

This time, the Philippines’ hopes were renewed as it topped Group A with three points and a superior +3 goal difference (GD) ahead of Tajikistan which defeated Timor-Leste, 1-nil in their bracket.

FT | ???????? Philippines 4??-1?? Maldives ????????

A dominant start to their campaign as the hosts cruise to a massive win in Group A!#ACQ2027 | #PHIvMDV pic.twitter.com/Rnl7Xfvw1l

— #AsianQualifiers (@afcasiancup) March 25, 2025

All that can be traced back to Schneider, the debuting Fil-Swiss midfielder, took the corner kick in the first six minutes of the match that found Paul Tabinas’ header in the scramble which then Jeff Tabinas slotted in past Maldives keeper Hussain Shareef to put the host ahead early.

It didn’t take long for Schneider to make his presence thoroughly felt as he provided the brilliant pass to Bjorn Kristensen in the 17th minute which doubled the lead for the Philippines.

The Pinoy booters headed into the break holding a fine gap and most of the possessions in the game.

However, Maldives found its breakthrough with a goal from Ali Fasir in the 62nd minute that allowed the visiting nation to pull itself within just one in the second half.

Despite conceding a goal, the Philippines continued to be relentless with its multiple shots on target before Schneider himself found the back of the net following an accurate cross from fellow midfielder Sandro Reyes in the 77th minute.

Wanting to put on a complete show of dominance, debuting Josef Baccay made an instant impact after coming off the bench and delivered a brilliant assist to Sandro Reyes two minutes into extra time to make the final count 4-1.

“Job done. This is the kind of game you want to win. It’s important to start with a win. We’re at the top [so far]. We cannot wait to play Tajikistan next. I’m very happy as a coach and the players, and everyone around here,” said PMNFT head coach Albert Capellas.

The No. 152 FIFA-ranked Philippines is looking to keep the momentum going as it takes on Tajikistan next in the double round-robin tournament on June 10.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News