The Philippines’ valiant effort to defend their home-field advantage ultimately fell short as Thailand staged a remarkable comeback in the second leg of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup semifinals.
The War Elephants, trailing 1-2 from the first leg, roared back with a 3-1 victory at Rajamangala Stadium, sending shockwaves through the packed crowd of over 31,000.
Captain Peeradol Chamrasamee ignited the Thai onslaught in the 37th minute, and Patrik Gustavsson doubled the lead in the 55th,seemingly sealing the deal.
However, the resilient Filipinos refused to surrender. Substitute Bjorn Kristensen ignited hope with a stunning goal in the 84th minute, forcing the match into extra time.
But Thailand’s resolve proved unwavering. Suphanat Mueanta’s powerful header in the 116th minute of extra time shattered Filipino dreams, securing a 4-3 aggregate victory and booking their 12th finals appearance since 1996.
The War Elephants will now face Vietnam in a two-legged final, with the first leg scheduled for January 2nd in Viet Tri Stadium and the return leg on January 5th in Bangkok.
The match began with a flurry of attacks, with Thailand’s Seksan Ratree narrowly missing the target in the fourth minute.
The Philippines responded with a dangerous opportunity in the 15th minute. A miscommunication between Thailand goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai and Chalermsak Aukkee allowed Zico Bailey to intercept the ball and set up Javier Gayoso. However, Gayoso’s shot was miraculously cleared off the line by Pansa Hemviboon.
Patiwat continued to impress, denying Bailey a spectacular goal from a free-kick in the 70th minute. But the tide turned when Kristensen, introduced as a substitute, unleashed a powerful shot that nestled into the bottom corner, igniting fervent cheers from the Filipino contingent.
The final minutes saw a flurry of chances for the Philippines. Patiwat produced a series of brilliant saves, denying Amami Aguinaldo and then thwarting Gayoso twice as the Filipinos desperately sought an equalizer.
Despite their valiant efforts, the Philippines ultimately succumbed to Thailand’s relentless pressure. The War Elephants, fueled by a raucous home crowd, demonstrated their championship mettle, setting the stage for a thrilling final against Vietnam.
