Thailand beat the Philippines in dramatic ASEAN Cup semi-finals and prepares for the final against Vietnam

Suphanat Muenta (shirtless) celebrates with his teammates after scoring the decisive goal that secured Thailand’s victory against the Philippines in the ASEAN Cup semi-finals on December 30, 2024. Photo by Changsuek

The clash at the Rajamangala Stadium on Monday night turned out to be one of the most exciting matches in the history of the ASEAN Cup. Trailing 1-2 in the first leg, Thailand quickly turned the tide with goals from Peeradol Chamrasamee and Patrik Gustavsson in the 37th and 54th minutes to make the aggregate score 3-2.

However, the resilient Philippines showed why they had been a formidable force in the tournament, having previously drawn with Vietnam and defeated Indonesia in the group stage. A spectacular and calm long-range shot by Bjorn Martin Kristensen in the 84th minute made it 3-3 in both games.

As the second half drew to a close, the Philippines came very close to scoring the winning goal, with Amani Aguinaldo, Javier Gayoso and Kristensen repeatedly threatening Thailand’s goal. However, the extraordinary efforts of goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai kept the hosts in the game with incredible saves.

The match went to extra time, where the Philippines’ superior fitness and relentless pressure tested the limits of Thailand’s exhausted players. Many of their fans in the stands had to pray as they watched the Philippines constantly threaten Khammai’s goal. The visitors missed several golden opportunities to strike the decisive blow and ultimately paid the price for their wasted chances.

In the 98th minute, Thai coach Masatada Ishii brought on Suphanat Muenta, who saved the star striker until the final moments. Muenta’s impact was almost immediate and crucial. In just 20 minutes on the pitch, he made the difference with a powerful header in the 116th minute to seal Thailand’s place in the final, as the crowd at Rajamangala erupted in euphoria.

Despite the victory, the grueling 120-minute match and 30 additional minutes of injury time in both legs have taken their toll on Thailand’s fitness and stamina.

On Tuesday, the team will fly to Vietnam to prepare for the first leg of the final against the hosts on January 2. With just one day’s rest, Thailand will need to recover quickly to face coach Kim Sang-sik’s well-rested Vietnam. equipment.

Thai Lan 3-2 Philippines