Bjørn Kristensen’s brace powered the Philippine Men’s National Football Team to a strong finish in its 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign, securing a 2-1 victory over Thailand on Friday at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, Indonesia.
The Filipino-Norwegian striker put the Philippines ahead just three minutes into the match, calmly slotting home a right-footed finish inside the War Elephants’ box.
He restored the lead in the 68th minute with another sharp finish, sealing the country’s first victory over Thailand since the first leg of the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup semifinals.
Kristensen’s brace brought his international tally to 16 goals in 20 appearances for the Philippines. And his second-half strike proved decisive after Iklas Sanron had equalized for Thailand with a left-footed finish in the 55th minute.
Thailand, however, still advances to face host nation Indonesia in Monday’s final at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
With the victory, the Philippines finished third in Group B with four points from three matches.
Vietnam, which defeated Pakistan, 4-2, earlier in the day, advances to face Malaysia in Monday’s bronze medal match at the same venue.
