PH stuns Thailand in ASEAN Championship semis first leg in historic fashion

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Philippine men’s national football team claimed a historic win against Thailand, 2-1, during the first leg of the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup semifinals on Friday, Dec. 27.

The Azkals triumphed against the War Elephants, the defending champions, in front of a 7,116-crowd at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, the first victory against Thailand in the competition’s history, as well as the first success since 1972.

“We played a very good 30-45 minutes, very good against a very good team. I’m very proud,” Philippine team coach Albert Capellas said.

“In the second half, we have suffered more, we have considered some chances that we shouldn’t, but we huddled together, we never lost the hope… the win at the end, I think, give us what we deserve. I’m very happy,” Capellas said.

Sandro Reyes opened the game with a goal at the 21st minute but was answered by Thailand’s Suphanan Bureerat at the 45th to tie 1-1 coming into half time.

While the Thais had many goal opportunities in the second-half, the Filipinos showed up in stoppage time (90+5’). After Zico Bailey’s free kick, Paul Tabinas headed the ball to Enrique Linares, who made a clutch from close range to the bottom left corner, 2-1.

“The job isn’t half way done. We have a really difficult second leg coming up and we want to play our final here, so we will give everything to play that final here,” said Reyes, who was the player of the match.

Capellas said he would ensure that the Philippine team will recover fast, but he also said he does not have any doubt the players will work as “warriors” to make a finals appearance happen.

The Philippines will be facing Thailand anew at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok on Dec. 30 for the second leg of the semifinals game.

“We have to take a look what we are lacking and we have to improve what we need for the next game and come back better in the next match,” Thailand national football team manager Masatada Ishii said through an interpreter.