Randy Schneider stars in debut as PH routs Maldives in AFC qualifiers

Randy Schneider put on an impressive debut as the Philippines defeated Maldives, 4-1, Tuesday to kick off its campaign in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers at New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.

Schneider’s assist set up the second goal in the early goings while his first international goal gave the Philippines the needed cushion to secure the maximum three points in the final phase of the continental qualifiers.

The 23-year-old got the start after months of anticipation when the Philippines pursued the midfielder who is based in Switzerland. Schneider, whose mother is a Filipino, secured his Philippine passport earlier this year.

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Coach Albert Capellas’ side led 2-0 in the quarter-hour of play behind Jefferson Tabinas’ opener in the sixth minute and Bjorn Kristensen’s strike off Schneider’s pass in the 18th.

But Maldives made the game interesting in the 62nd when Ali Fasir beat Philippine keeper Kevin Ray Mendoza to cut the deficit in half, only for Schneider to respond with the goal in the 77th that restored a two-goal advantage.

Another debutant, substitute Josef Baccay, also made an impression when he assisted Sandro Reyes for the home side’s fourth goal of the evening that came two minutes into stoppage time.

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Tabinas returned to national team duties after failing to suit up in the Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup due to club commitments in Thailand for Buriram United.

Kristensen scored his sixth goal for the Philippines, building on his strong showing up front in the Philippines’ semis run in the Asean competition.

The Philippines claim the early lead in Group A despite having identical three points with Tajikistan on goal difference. Tajikistan downed Timor-Leste, 1-0, at home in Dushanbe.

The qualifiers resume in June with the Philippines hosting Tajikistan.