Philippines beat Maldives in Male' 1-2 in the joint World Cup- Asian Cup qualifying game today.

Maldives started very well taking the game to the Philippines. Against the run of play, Philippines was awarded a penalty late in the first half. Maldives goalkeeper Mohamed Faisal saved the penalty to the delight of the electrifying support from Maldives stands. 

In the 52 minutes Ibrahim Mahudhee(Feydhoo Ibbe) had the best chance of Maldives when he beat the goalkeeper still unable to finish. A minute later midfielder Hussain Nihaan's mistake cost Maldives as Lain Ramsey blasted the ball into the net to give Philippines the lead. Segrt did not introduce Maldives strong man Ali Ashfaq(Dhagandey) till the 65th minutes when he sent on Dhagandey and Hassan Naiz(Dhaadhu). Minutes later John-Patrick Straub doubled Philippines lead when Ahmed Numan(Helmet)'s clearance from wide found Faisal exposed. Straub extended the lead after a double save from Faisal.

Introduction of Maldives hattrick specialist Ahmed Rizvan(Rizey) in late in the game gave Maldives some hope. Both his efforts nearly missing the target. Feydhoo Ibbe had the chance again to reduce the deficit from a corner. Dhaadhu blasted the consolation goal for Maldives when Dhagandey chipped the ball in his path late into stoppage time.

Maldives will play against bottom team Guam on the 19th at Galolhu National Stadium.

Photo: ImagesMV