The Philippine men’s national football team claimed an important 3-1 victory on home soil against Timor-Leste, thanks to a magical second half comeback.

The Philippines started off the match aggressively by creating a lot of chances, including an early attempt by Jefferson Tabinas that hit the goal post.

Goalkeepers of both sides, Kevin Mendoza for the Philippines and Junildo Manuel Pereira, were busy defending their sides, keeping the score line nil-nil.

However, Timor-Leste found the breakthrough goal right before the end of the first half.

With no defenders in sight, Joao Rangel curled the ball in to put Timor-Leste ahead by one at halftime, 0-1.

After a foiled attempt in the first half, Tabinas quickly equalized for the Philippines, converting off a corner kick in the 46th minute.

Bjorn Kristensen put the Philippines ahead in the 70th minute, burying the cross from Jesper Nyholm.

This marks Kristensen’s 13th international goal for the Philippines and eighth goal in four matches in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

Jarvey Gayoso, who came in as a substitute, found the back of the net in second half stoppage time after taking advantage of a missed clearance by the Timor-Leste side.

Gayoso scored his fourth goal in his 30th appearance for the national team.

Timor-Leste tried to equalize throughout the second half, but the Philippine defense held firm until the final whistle.

With the victory, the Philippines remains on top of Group A with 10 points due to goal difference with Tajikistan.

The Philippines will be back on the road for their next match against Maldives on November 18. (ABS-CBN News)