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Philippines’ Leddel glad to have played vital role against Tajikistan
Dushanbe: Noah Leddel delivered a towering performance at both ends of the pitch as the Philippines edged Tajikistan 1-0 to keep their in the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 hopes alive on Saturday.
The Cebu FC defender set the tone with crucial clearances in the eighth minute before rising to the occasion to deliver the winning goal, heading home off Sandro Reyes’ corner in the 70th minute.

“I think overall it was a tough game,” said Leddel. “Both sides were very intense but it was going to come down to a set-piece goal ultimately.

“The team stood firm, showed really good heart to keep a clean sheet against a really good team and we are just happy to come away with the win and get the three points.”
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After narrowly losing 2-1 against Syria in their Group K opener, the Philippines were determined to get points on the board but were faced with a tough Tajikistan side.

Tajikistan came back fighting following Leddel’s strike but keeper Nic Guimaraes ensured they took home the three points after pulling off saves from Azizbek Khaitov and Abubakr Sulaymonov.
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The result leaves the Philippines level with Tajikistan on three points, setting up a decisive clash against Nepal on Tuesday, while Syria - who meet Tajikistan next - are in pole position after two wins.