On 27 March 2018, a 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification match was played between the Philippines and Tajikistan at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

[1][2] At the time of the 2019 Asian Cup qualification phase, the Philippines and Tajikistan shared their group with Yemen and minnows Nepal.

Although tied on points with Yemen, a worse head-to-head record than the Yemenis (1–2 on aggregate) meant that only a win could give Tajikistan their ticket to the UAE.

The match began with Tajikistan hurrying to take the first move on the stadium as the confident hosts sought to surprise them at the early minutes.

In 61', the visitors suddenly made a breakthrough thanks to a skillful display from Aliev, whom his passing to captain Nuriddin Davronov forced Daisuke Sato to foul him in the penalty area.

A brilliant pass by Iain Ramsay, after receiving the ball from Phil Younghusband, provided a header for Kevin Ingreso to score.

Phil Younghusband converted the penalty to give the Philippines a historic 2–1 lead in front of emphatic home fans.

As for the result, the repeated failure of a number of local coaches was instrumental in the hiring of Uzbek Usmon Toshev with hopes to reinvigorate the team.

Both teams eventually failed in their respective groups, losing every match they played, but the Philippines managed to score a goal thanks to Stephan Schröck.