Thailand national team reached to final round after beating Philippines national team scoring 3-1 in the 50th Kings Cup 2024(International Friendly ‘A’ Match tournament) semi-final at Tinsulanonda Stadium, Songkhla.
Despite a rain delay that halted the game for an hour, Thailand emerged strong in the second half to secure their place in the final.
The match began with a close call for Thailand in the 19th minute when Jaroensak Wonggorn‘s cross was deflected by the Philippines’ goalkeeper Kevin Rey Mendoza, but Anan Yodsangwan narrowly missed the target. Heavy rain soon forced a temporary suspension, with the first half concluding in a 0-0 stalemate.
Thailand made critical substitutions at halftime, bringing in Supachai Jaided, Supanat Mueanta, and Sasalak Haiprakhon, which energized their attack. In the 53rd minute, Chanathip Songkrasin broke the deadlock with a right-footed strike to put Thailand ahead 1-0.
The Philippines equalized in the 63rd minute through Bjorn Martin Christensen, who turned and scored from a throw-in to level the match at 1-1. However, Thailand quickly responded in the 68th minute when Supanat Mueanta headed in a pass from Charoensak, restoring Thailand’s lead at 2-1.
The Philippines’ hopes were further diminished when Amani Aguinaldo received a red card in the 74th minute after a dangerous challenge on Poramet Artwilai, reducing the team to ten men. Thailand capitalized on the advantage, with Supachai Jaided scoring in the 87th minute from a Supanat Mueanta assist, sealing a 3-1 victory.
With this win, Thailand progresses to the final, where they will face Syria, who edged Tajikistan 1-0 in the other semi-final match.
Credit Photo : FA Thailand
