CAPAS, Tarlac -- The Philippine national men's football team kicked off its AFC Asian Cup qualifiers campaign with a 4-1 victory over Maldives at the New Clark City Stadium here Tuesday evening.

Jefferson Tabinas opened tne floodgates for the Filipinos in the sixth minute before Bjorn Kristensen scored another goal in the 17th minute for a 2-0 lead thanks to an assist from newcomer Randy Schneider.

Ali Fasir tried to pump some life into Maldives after his goal in the 62nd minute.

But a debut goal by Schneider in the 77th minute and a 90th minute goal from Sandro Reyes in the 90th minute sealed the victory for the Philippines.

The Philippines' are now on top of Group A with a +3 goal difference.

Up next for the Philippines will be against Tajikistan on 10 June.