Philippine Azkals in match vs Maldives. AFP Asian CUP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines shared points with Maldives after settling for a 1-1 draw in the joint Fifa World Cup and Asian Cup Qualifiers Tuesday at Sharjah Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.
The Azkals failed to advance to the next stage of the World Cup campaign but took an outright berth for the third round of Asian Cup qualifiers after amassing 11 points through eight games at a 3-2-3 (win-draw-loss) record to finish third in Group A,
Only the top two teams of each group get to advance to the next round of the World Cup Qualifiers.
Here are the 2️⃣2️⃣ sides who will be participating in #ACQ2023 🤩👏
Meanwhile, 4️⃣ teams will compete in a play-off to secure the 2️⃣ remaining slots for the 24-team tournament! 💪#AsianQualifiers pic.twitter.com/qc7TiHzfLL
— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) June 16, 2021
Angel Guirado converted on Samooh Ali’s botched clearance, putting the ball past Maldives keeper Mohamed Faisal to give the Philippines a 1-0 lead in the 19th minute.
Maldives, however, drew level just five minutes later as Ali Fasir slotted home Ali Haisam’s assist past Justin Baas.
The Philippines behind second place China, which had 19 points on a 6-1-1 card, and leader Syria, which finished with 21 points and a 7-0-1 record.
Maldives, meanwhile, sat at fourth with seven points and a 2-1-5 slate.