Philippines lose on aggregate, 4-3, against defending champion Thailand in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup semifinals.
There was no miracle in Bangkok.
The Philippine men’s national football team failed to reach their first-ever final in the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup after losing in extra time on aggregate, 4-3, in a highly tense semifinal against Thailand at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Thailand on Monday night.
After Bjorn Kristensen tied the aggregate at 3-all with a brilliant strike outside of the box at the 84th minute, the Thais ended up scoring deep into extra time thanks to a header from Suphanat Mueanta at the 116th minute.
Mueanta’s winner capped off a highly competitive affair between the Filipinos and the defending champions which was opened with a contentious goal at the 37th minute where Chamrasamee Peeradol scored on a pass that seemed to have been out of bounds before the attempt.
No check was made via Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and the goal was upheld, which tied the aggregate score at 2-all.
Shortly after the halftime break, the Thais pulled ahead thanks to a strike from Gustavsson Patrik as he slotted the ball past Quincy Kammeraad at the 54th minute.
But the Filipinos would not go down without a fight and threatened to dethrone the champions with Kristensen’s goal late in regulation.
Multiple chances were also given to the Philippines in added time in the second half, including a rebound from Jarvey Gayoso that hit the woodwork.
Gayoso also had a chance earlier in the match, at around the 16th minute which was cleared off the line, which could’ve given the Philippines a two-goal cushion in the aggregate.
Thailand thus advances to their 11th appearance in the Mitsubishi Electric Cup final while the Philippines ends their Cinderella run in the semifinals.
Thailand plays Vietnam in the championship round beginning Thursday, January 2.