Philippines' Emelio Caligdong (in white) beats Mohammad Zaini

ILOILO CITY – Defending champions Tajikistan and hosts Philippines registered victories over Bhutan and Brunei respectively in the AFC Challenge Cup 2008 Group B qualifiers here on Wednesday.

A brace from Numondzhon Khakimov and a goal from Yusuf Rabiev ensured that the Central Asians began on a 3-1 winning note while captain Emelio Caligdong’s solitary goal helped the hosts beat Brunei 1-0 in the opening matches.

Khakimov opened the scoring for Tajikistan in the 27th minute and Rabiev doubled the advantage in the 60th minute but Passang Tshering pulled one back nine minutes later. Khakimov later sealed the victory for Pulod Kodirov’s side from the spot.

The Central Asians will play the Philippines on Thursday in a match that will probably determine the winner of the group, while Bhutan and Brunei clash in another simultaneous encounter.

In a match where poor pitch conditions caused by heavy downpour in the past few days here hampered the attacking strength of both teams, Caligdong slid home the winner in the 29th minute to follow up Chris Greatwich's effort that was stopped by the water which had collected in front of the goalmouth.

The hosts’ Phil Younghusband also had a penalty saved, after Ian Araneta was brought down inside the box midway in the second half.

But the Philippines dominated the match for long spells and Caligdong, defender Joebel Bermejo, strikers Ian Araneta and Chad Gould were denied by the crossbar once in either side of the half.

Philippines coach Norman Fegidero hailed his side's performance but hinted they would be playing more defensively against Tajikistan.

"It was a good result for us but it is going to be different against Tajikistan," Fegidero said.

"It should have been 6-0 against Brunei but the condition of the pitch made it difficult for us to attack.”