The Philippine national men’s football team made history in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024, reaching the semifinals with a spirited campaign fueled by rising stars and unforgettable performances.
At the forefront was 21-year-old Makati-born Sandro Reyes, whose standout moments left an indelible mark on the tournament.
Reyes delivered pivotal contributions, including a dramatic late equalizer against Laos and a stunning opening goal against Thailand. These highlights showcased his talent and composure on the biggest stage.
“I think we can take everything from this tournament—the good and the bad. And why not dream big now? It’s only going up from here. It feels like we’re finally getting the support we deserve after performing so well,” said Reyes.
Reyes’ performances symbolized the remarkable progress of Philippine football. For head coach Albert Capellas, the team’s achievements marked the culmination of years of development and the emergence of a new generation of players.
“This tournament proved that the Philippines can compete at this level,” said Capellas. “For years, we couldn’t play games like this—fighting until the last second against powerhouses like Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam.”
Reyes was joined by other rising stars, including striker Bjørn Kristensen, forward Jarvey Gayoso, and goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad, all of whom played crucial roles in the team’s resurgence.
The semifinal matchup against Thailand was particularly historic. Reyes’ goal in the first leg in Manila secured a 2-1 victory, ending a 52-year drought against the War Elephants.
Although the Philippines narrowly missed a dream finals berth after a 4-3 aggregate loss, their valiant effort in front of over 31,000 fans at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium showcased their resilience.
“The fact that we pushed them to the limit and almost pulled off the win speaks volumes about our progress,” said Reyes, who has been with the Azkals since 2021. “I’m incredibly proud of the team.”
