Manila Digger reaches AFC Challenge League quarterfinals
Manila Digger FC advanced to the AFC Challenge League quarterfinals after an impressive unbeaten run in Group D, marking a historic debut in international competition.
The club earned seven points through victories over Ezra and SP Falcons and a draw against host PKR Svay Rieng in matches held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
With this performance, Manila Digger became the first Philippines Football League (PFL) club to reach the knockout stage of an AFC club tournament since Ceres-Negros’ 2019 AFC Cup campaign.
“Congratulations to Manila Digger,” said Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Anthony Gutierrez.
“This milestone by one of our country’s newest pro clubs is a huge boost to the progress of professional football in the Philippines,” Gutierrez added.
He noted that Manila Digger reflects how the PFL is emerging as a destination for global football talent and fostering an environment that elevates Filipino players to international standards.
Manila Digger opened its group stage with a 3-1 win over Lao League 1 champion Ezra on October 26, showcasing speed and precision in counterattacks.
Ousmane Gai and Dilane Wamba Tafem each scored within the first 21 minutes, while Baboucarr Touray added the final goal in the 56th minute after Ezra had pulled one back.
On October 29, the team defeated Mongolian Premier League champion SP Falcons, 2-0, with Saikou Ceesay and Gai combining for both goals through seamless counterplay.
Ceesay broke through the defensive line in the 39th minute, and later assisted Gai for the clinching goal in the 61st minute with a decisive pass from the right flank.
On November 1, Manila Digger held 2024–25 AFC Challenge Cup runner-up PKR Svay Rieng to a 2-2 draw, with Gai scoring a brace in a tightly contested matchup.
Gai opened scoring in the 39th minute off a through pass from Madou Manneh and netted his second in the 62nd after a well-timed cutback from Touray.
Despite a late equalizer by Nhean Sosidan in the 85th minute, the result secured Manila Digger’s place in the quarterfinals as Group D runner-up behind Svay Rieng on goal difference.
Manila Digger will next face Dewa United Banten, the Group E winner from Indonesia’s Liga 1, in a home-and-away quarterfinal series in March 2026.
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