Philippines took the game to Tajikistan from the opening whistle with midfielder Zico Bailey’s long range strike in the 15th minute testing goalkeeper Rustam Yatimov, who did well to deal with the effort. 

The home side made their momentum count in the 28th minute when Gerrit Holtmann struck a superb free-kick which bounced off the crossbar with Yatimov fully committed, leaving Bjorna Kristensen the easiest of tasks to head home the opener.

Tajikistan, however, were not to be behind for long as they found the equaliser on the half hour mark when Shervoni Mabatshoev’s low shot from outside the box slipped past custodian Kevin Ray Mendoza.

Boosted by the goal, Tajikistan seized control of the game and took the lead thanks to Parvivdzhon Umarbaev’s penalty in the 42nd minute after Jesper Nyholm had fouled Ehson Panshanbe in the box.

Chasing the game, Philippines dominated play in the second half but found Tajikistan’s defence in a defiant mood with Nyholm’s free header from a corner kick going wide before Holtmann’s attempt - which looked to be heading towards the top corner - was stopped by Vahdat Hanonov.

Philippines’ persistence was rewarded in the 79th minute after Tajikistan failed to deal with a long punt forward from Mendoza, with Kristensen latching onto the loose ball to stab past Yatimov for a share of the points.