Philippines national team keep advantages in the first match after beating Thailand national team scoring 2-1 in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 Semi-Final first leg at Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila.
The Philippines were without their captain, Amani Aguinaldo, who was suspended. Goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad stepped in once again for the injured Patrick Deyto, delivering a solid performance.
Thailand, on the other hand, welcomed back attacking midfielder Supachok Sarachat, who made his first international appearance since June following a hamstring injury. His presence added firepower to the War Elephants’ attack.
The match began with the hosts dictating play. In the 9th minute, Patiwat Khammai was tested early when Jesus Reyes intercepted a pass and fired a shot from inside the box, forcing a save.
Thailand’s first real chance came in the 19th minute when Akarapong Pumwiset’s header from a Suphanat Mueanta cross lacked power, allowing Kammeraad to collect easily.
Two minutes later, the Philippines broke the deadlock. Alex Monis attempted to maneuver inside the box but passed the ball back to Reyes, who unleashed a stunning left-footed strike from outside the area to find the top corner, making it 1-0.
Thailand equalized in the dying moments of the first half. A swift counter-attack after a Philippines corner saw Supachok and Suphanat link up, with Patrik Gustavsson crossing for Suphanan Bureerat to slot home, leveling the score at 1-1.
Thailand came out firing after the break. Suphanat rattled the crossbar within two minutes of the restart, and Supachok’s follow-up effort sailed over the goal.
The home side appealed for a penalty in the 52nd minute when Bjorn Kristensen went down under Saringkan Promsupa’s challenge, but the referee waved play on.
Thailand dominated the second half, creating multiple chances. In the 82nd minute, Akarapong Pumwiset’s volley was brilliantly saved by Kammeraad, denying the visitors a lead. Peeradon Chamratsamee nearly stole the win for Thailand in stoppage time, but his low drive brushed the post.
The game seemed destined for a draw until the Philippines struck deep into stoppage time. A free-kick from Zico Bailey was met by Paul Tabinas, who headed the ball across the goal. Jose Linares, playing in Thailand’s top division, rose to head the ball home from close range, sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory for the hosts.
This victory over Thailand of the Philippines is the first time in 52 years after the last triumph in 1972 in the Jakarta Anniversary Tournament in Jakarta, Indonesia.
With this victory, the Philippines take a crucial one-goal advantage into the second leg, scheduled for Monday at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok. Both teams will look to secure a spot in the final, promising another high-stakes clash.
Credit Photo : FA Thailand
