Thailand’s national football team has secured a spot in the final of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024, continuing their title defense by defeating the Philippines 3-1 in the semi-final second leg at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok.
The match began with Thailand on the offensive, pushing hard to overturn the 2-1 deficit from the first leg. The Philippines, on the other hand, adopted a defensive strategy, waiting for opportunities to counter-attack.
The breakthrough came in the 37th minute when Seksan Ratree delivered a precise cut-back to Peeradon Chamrassamee, who struck the ball cleanly into the net, putting Thailand ahead 1-0 and leveling the aggregate score at 2-2. The first half ended without further goals, with Thailand leading on the night.
In the 54th minute, Thailand thought they had doubled their lead when Weerathep Pompon delivered a brilliant through ball to Patrik Gustavsson, who sent it into the net. However, the assistant referee initially flagged it offside. After a thorough VAR review, the goal was awarded, giving Thailand a 2-0 lead and a 3-2 advantage on aggregate.
The Philippines refused to back down and found a lifeline in the 84th minute through Bjorn Kristensen, who scored a crucial goal to bring the aggregate score to 3-3. The match ended 2-1 after regular time, forcing an extra-time period of 30 minutes.
Both teams fought hard during extra time, but it was Suphanat Mueanta who emerged as the hero for Thailand. In the 116th minute, he delivered a decisive goal, giving Thailand a 3-1 lead on the night and a 4-3 advantage on aggregate.
The match ended with a 3-1 victory for Thailand, securing their place in the final where they will face their fierce rivals, Vietnam, in a two-legged clash on 2 January and 5 January 2025.
Credit Photo : FA Thailand
