The Philippines inches closer to an AFC Asian Cup slot after beating Maldives, 2-0, at the National Football Stadium in Male on Tuesday (Manila time).

Jefferson Tabinas drew first blood for the Nationals with a header in the 24th minute before Sandro Reyes made it 2-0 in the 37th minute with a tap-in goal.

Both the Philippines and Tajikistan now hold identical 4-1-0 win-draw-loss record, setting up an explosive match-up on 31 March for the top spot in Group A.

Only the top seed of each group will earn their spot for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.