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Falling short of Asian Cup slot hurts, but PMNFT remains proud of journey
The road to the AFC Asian Cup may have ended for the Philippine men’s national football team, but the players continue to hold their heads high despite the disappointing result.
The Philippines settled for a 1-1 draw against Tajikistan in their final AFC Asian Cup qualifying match. However, it was Tajikistan that advanced to the Asian Cup due to a superior goal difference.
Team captain and defender Amani Aguinaldo admitted the result was a painful one.
“This one hurts. But representing you all will never be taken lightly,” Aguinaldo wrote in the caption of his Instagram post.
“Truly grateful for every voice that carried us through.”
Goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad echoed Aguinaldo’s sentiments.
“Football can be cruel. We wanted more, we felt we deserved more. The nation deserved more as well. Still, it is the greatest honor to wear this badge and represent a country I love with everything. We will be back, stronger, hungrier, and ready to fight again. Until next time, Pilipinas.”
Midfielder Sandro Reyes also shared his sentiments on social media.
“10 years playing for this country and almost everything I’ve felt has been loss and disappointment. Being the biggest game of them all, yesterday was by far the worst,” he wrote on Friday.
“Yet somehow beneath the heartbreak is a feeling of privilege because when we succeed, it will feel sweeter.”
“The greater the struggle, the greater the story. Not giving up on our dream.”
“Forever honored to represent,” he wrote with the Philippine flag emoji.
Raphael Obermair, the lone goal scorer of the match, said he is still proud of his debut.
“Not the result we needed but still proud about my debut and the goal.”
The PMNFT now looks ahead to upcoming competitions, including the 2026 ASEAN Championship in July and the FIFA ASEAN Cup.
—JKC, GMA News
