Philippine men's national football team forward Bjorn Kristensen in action against Tajikistan at the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, June 10, 2025 in Capas, Tarlac. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

CAPAS, Tarlac (UPDATED) – Bjorn Kristensen scored twice as the Philippine men's national football team earned a 2-2 draw against Tajikistan in an AFC Asian Cup qualifying match, Tuesday at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium here.

In front of a 10,854-strong crowd, Kristensen got the Philippines on board, converting a header at the 28th minute, but Tajikistan's Mabatshoev Shervoni was quick to answer back, equalizing 1-1 just two minutes later.

Tajikistan's Umarbaev Parvizdzhon scored on a penalty kick just before the first half (42') ended for a 2-1 advantage.

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But Kristensen came to the rescue in the 79th minute, grabbing his brace for a 2-2 count.

"I feel we should win this game," expressed Kristensen after the match that saw intense physicality among the two national squads.

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A total of 13 yellow cards were issued tonight by the officials.

"I don't think we did show up in the first half. We could we did our best to bounce back and luckily we got the point," the forward added, talking about his second goal.

Despite the draw, the Nationals kept their lead in Group A, holding a superior goal difference over their opponent this Tuesday night.

Next up for them is Timor Leste, which they will play two matches in October.

Only the top team in Group A will advance to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia — a total of six in this round.