Bjørn Martin Kristensen’s goal was not enough to change the outcome as the Philippine Men’s National Team fell 3-1 to Thailand in the 2024 King’s Cup on Friday night at the Tinsulanon Stadium in Songkhla.
Kristensen, who plays for Aalesunds FK in Norway, scored the equalizer for the Philippines in the 63rd minute – canceling out Chanathip Songkrasin’s opener for Thailand, which came in the 53rd minute.
However, Thailand swiftly regained control. Suphanat Mueanta’s header restored the lead for the War Elephants just five minutes after Kristensen’s goal.
The Filipinos’ situation worsened when captain Amani Aguinaldo was shown a red card in the 75th minute following a VAR review for a dangerous tackle.
With the Philippines reduced to 10 men, Thailand sealed the win as Mueanta netted his second goal in the 87th minute, ensuring victory for the home side.
Earlier in the match, heavy rain caused a temporary stoppage in the 25th minute, as the pitch became waterlogged.
According to Philippines head coach Albert Capellas, this break in play disrupted his team’s rhythm.
“I think we played well in the first 20 minutes. The game was very balanced, with both teams having chances,” Capellas said. “But after the rain, it was a completely different game – far from what we had trained for and expected in such a high-level match.”
The match also marked the return of Gerrit Holtmann to the national team, his first appearance since the country’s AFC Asian Cup qualification campaign in 2022.
Holtmann played until the 76th minute when he was substituted by Dylan Demuynck.
Both teams will be back in action on Monday at the same venue.
The Philippines will face Tajikistan at 5:30 PM for the third-place playoff, while Thailand will take on Syria at 9:00 PM in the final.
