Bjorn Kristensen sizzled with four goals as the Philippines stormed to a 4-1 triumph over Timor Leste and seized the Group A lead in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers Thursday in Darwin, Australia.
Kristensen struck in the 15th and 31st minutes to open the floodgates for the Filipinos in the away match held at Timor’s neutral venue, the Territory Rugby League Stadium.
Timor pulled one back in the 46th behind skipper Gali Freitas, but the Filipino-Norwegian forward continued his rampage in the 49th and 56th to seal it for the unbeaten Philippines, which picked up its second win against a draw.
‘It’s always good to score goals and four goals doesn’t happen every game, so I have to take this moment and enjoy it. But tomorrow we have to prepare again,’ said Kristensen, the first to score four since Phil Younghusband and Mark Hartmann did the feat in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
With seven points and +6 goal difference, the Pinoy booters took pole position ahead of Tajikistan (seven points and +3 GD following a 2-0 win over Maldives in Hisor).
They will go for a repeat against Timor (3 points on 1 win and two losses) in their return match on Tuesday over in Capas, Tarlac.