Centre-back Kike Linares' first goal for the Philippine Men's National Football Team couldn't have come at a more perfect time.
The cards were seemingly written for defender Kike Linares.
With team captain Amani Aguinaldo suspended in Leg 1 of the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup semifinals, the Philippine Men’s National Football Team turned to the 25-year-old Linares to step up to the plate.
“We know Amani [Aguinaldo] is an important player. He’s the captain, he has experience [playing here]. We follow the plan, we follow the plan of the coach,” Linares told reporters after the match.
Despite some shaky moments in the match, the 6-foot-2 center-back came up big when the national team needed him the most.
In the 95th minute, Zico Bailey launched a precise free kick to the back post, where Paul Tabinas redirected it across the box.
Linares, in the perfect spot, capitalized on the opportunity, slotting the ball into the net and igniting the 7,116-strong crowd into a frenzy at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
“Paul [Tabinas] gave the assist for me,” Linares explained. “I threw myself with everything, and I touched the ball. Luckily for the team, it went inside.”
For Linares, the goal was more than just making history for the Philippines as the country defeated Thailand for the first time in 52 years.
It was also special for the defender as this was his first conversion for the national team.
“I’m so proud of the team, and also happy for me. My first goal here with the national team. So happy. Now, let’s see in the second game there,” said Linares.
[ALSO READ: Sandro Reyes proud of how far PH men’s football has come after historic win vs Thailand]
The 25-year-old earned his first international appearance during the 2022 FAS Tri-Nations Series and has gone on to collect 11 caps for the Philippines.
Now, the focus shifts to the second leg where the Philippines will head to Bangkok as they face Thailand once more on Monday, December 30 at the Rajamangala National Stadium.