The Philippine men’s national football team has perhaps found its go-to striker since Phil Younghusband as 21-year-old Filipino-Danish Sebastian Rasmussen sizzled to help the Azkals win a 2-1 decision against Afghanistan in a FIFA friendly Tuesday evening in Manila.

The tying goal came ten minutes after the Afghans found the opener in the 64th minute with a leak out from Omid Popalzay off a right curving cross from team captain Farshad Noor.

In the 74th minute, defensive midfielder Justin Baas issued a high ball toward Rasmussen off an interception.

That was when the towering 6’4” forward showcased his magic, dashing with the ball five yards from the back of the center line, muscling his way past four Afghan defenders to stab the back of the net for his fourth international goal.

The difficult run resulted in one of the most sensational goals in Azkals history as the Filipinos swung the momentum against the war-torn football power.

The go-ahead goal came in an 81st minute set piece, with center back Christian Rontini heading in the second ball off a right cross from Bienve Marañon for the maiden international goal of the Persita standout.

The Manila friendly serves as the penultimate game before the Azkals upcoming campaign in the 2026 World Cup/2027 Asian Cup qualifiers in November.

On October 12, will play an away fixture against Bahrain.

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