Bjorn Kristensen put on a masterclass performance by scoring all four goals as the Philippine men’s football team thrashed Timor-Leste, 4-1, in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on Thursday in Darwin, Australia.
Kristensen continued to establish himself as the team’s talisman, scoring his first two goals inside the first half-hour before two more in the second half to slammed the door shut on Timor-Leste after pulling one back after halftime.
Behind Kristensen, the Philippines took the provisional lead in Group A of third round qualification for the continental tournament with seven points on two wins and one draw, three ahead of Tajikistan.
Tajikistan was scheduled to take on Maldives as of posting time.
It was the first of two matches in this international window between the two nations, with the next slated Tuesday at New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac. Timor-Leste served as the home team but had to play in Darwin as no stadium passed strict AFC requirements.
The big night allowed Kristensen to register 12 goals in 14 appearances in a Philippine shirt, a remarkable output for the 23-year-old striker.
Article continues after this advertisement
The Philippines got on board in the 15th minute when Sandro Reyes put up a cross to Kristensen, who followed up his first attempt blocked by Timor-Leste goalkeeper Georgino.
Kristensen doubled the lead in the 31st when he beat out four defenders from near the other half of the field before firing a right-footed shot.
Timor-Leste got on board shortly after the restart when Gali Freitas scored past the edge of the box, only for Kristensen to continue his goal-scoring ways in a matter of seconds, heading Georgino’s deflection that hit the crossbar from close range to make it 3-1 in the 48th.
The fourth goal came in the 56th as Kristensen received Sandro Reyes’ pass off three defenders before beating Georgino yet again.