The Philippine men's national football team scored a historic win over Thailand, 2-1, in Leg 1 of the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup.
The Philippine men’s national football team came up big in the final minute to secure a historic 2-1 victory over regional powerhouse Thailand in Leg 1 of the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup on Friday, December 27.
This marks the Philippines' first win against Thailand in 52 years since the 1972 Jakarta Cup.
Contrary to their group stage matches, it was the Filipinos who had a better start to the match than the Thais.
In the 21st minute, Sandro Reyes curled in a beautiful left-foot shot to give the Philippines the lead, hearing the screams of 7,116 spectators at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Striker Suphanan Bureerat, however, managed to level the game in the 45th minute after Thailand’s quick counterattack from the Philippines’ corner kick.
In the second half, Thailand nearly scored right away after Suphanat Mueanta’s shot hit the crossbar amid the Philippine backline’s early error.
The Thais continued to pile on the pressure but failed to capitalize on their opportunities.
In the 82nd minute, substitute Worachit Kanitsribumphen came close after missing the target from his left-foot shot during a scramble inside the box.
Thailand’s last clean chance came in the 92nd minute after team captain Peeradol Chamrasamee’s shot just went wide from Quincy Kammeraad.
In the final minute of the game, Kike Linares' header from a free kick that bounced off Paul Tabinas resulted in the Philippine team's winning goal.
The second leg will be held on December 30 at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok.
The semifinals will not have an away goal rule.