Although the dream of making it to the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 finals may have slipped away, the Philippines sent a strong message to the region with its valiant stand.
In a thrilling encounter that went into extra time, the Philippine Men’s National Football Team succumbed to defending champion Thailand, 3-1 (4-3 on aggregate), on Monday at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, in front of a crowd of 31,876 fans.
Substitute striker Suphanat Mueanta delivered the decisive blow, breaking the Filipinos’ hearts with a header that sailed past goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad in the 115th minute.
Mueanta’s goal not only sealed Thailand’s place in the final but also gave the War Elephants a shot at a third consecutive ASEAN title.
Already the tournament’s most successful team, they now stand on the brink of securing a record-extending eighth championship.
As the home side celebrated, the Philippine team could only look back and lament a key moment in the match that might have changed its complexion.
(C) Pam Puri
In the 37th minute of the first half, War Elephants captain Peeradol Chamrasamee broke the deadlock with a goal that sparked controversy.
The ball appeared to have gone out of play just before Seksan Ratree passed it to Chamrasamee.
Despite this, Japanese referee Kimura Hiroyuki and his officiating team allowed the goal to stand, with VAR opting not to review the play.
Trailing 1-0 and with the aggregate tied at 2-2, the Philippines saw its hopes of reaching the finals diminish further in the 53rd minute.
Thai striker Patrik Gustavsson doubled his side’s lead, giving the War Elephants their first aggregate advantage.
Just when the match seemed out of reach, Bjørn Kristensen rekindled the Filipinos’ dreams with a crucial goal late in the game, his third and final goal of the tournament.
His equalizer forced extra time and revived the possibility of a historic finals appearance for the Philippines.
The Filipinos had two golden opportunities to turn the game around in extra time. Defender Amani Aguinaldo connected with an incisive pass from midfielder Sandro Reyes, but Thai goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai produced a stunning reflex save.
On the rebound, former UAAP MVP Jarvey Gayoso pounced, but Khammai reacted swiftly once again to deny the Filipinos a chance to steal the game.
With players from both sides battling fatigue and cramps, the match turned into a test of endurance.
Unfortunately for the Philippines, it was Thailand that found the breakthrough with Mueanta’s clinical header.
Looking ahead, Thailand will face Vietnam in the final, a rematch of the last edition’s championship clash.
Vietnam will host the first leg at the Viet Tri Stadium this Thursday, with Thailand hosting the second leg on Sunday at the Rajamangala Stadium.
(C) Pam Puri
Despite falling short, the Philippines can hold its head high.
The Philippines reached the semifinals for the first time in six years, recorded a rare away win against Indonesia, ended a 52-year drought by defeating Thailand in the semis, and introduced emerging stars such as Sandro Reyes, Bjørn Kristensen, and Quincy Kammeraad.
“We wouldn’t be the Philippines if we didn’t have hills to climb,” said Kammeraad. “This is another hill we have to climb. (It is) something we will do as a team, and I think the fans at home can be proud of us and look forward to the coming years (in terms of) what this team will do.”
Up next for the Azkals is the final qualification round for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, where they will aim to build on their recent success and continue their upward trajectory in regional football.
