The ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 has delivered its fair share of surprises, and none was more shocking than the result of the first leg of the semifinals, held on December 27, 2024, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila. The Philippines stunned favored Thailand with a 2-1 victory, marking the first time Thailand has suffered defeat at the hands of the Filipinos since 1972.
Ranked 97th globally, Thailand entered the match as the clear favorites, riding on the momentum of four consecutive wins to secure the top spot in Group A. The Philippines, on the other hand, with their rank at 150 and having drawn three out of four group matches, came off as underdogs but aimed to capitalize on their home advantage.
From the kickoff, the Philippines took control of the early exchanges. They looked to assert themselves with several attacking moves. It was Sandro Reyes who opened the scoring with a stunning left-footed strike just outside the penalty area, giving the home side the lead at the 20-minute mark.
Thailand, undeterred by the setback, responded valiantly. Their persistence paid off just before halftime as Suphanat Muensat set up Supachok Sarachit, who equalized with a well-placed finish just before the break, making it 1-1.
After halftime, Thailand looked the more determined side, creating several opportunities. They came close to taking the lead when Suphanat hit the crossbar early on. Coach Masatada Ichi's men pushed forward, consistently testing the Filipino defense but were met with resilience.
With time running out, just when it seemed the match was destined for extra time, tragedy struck for Thailand. A free-kick from the Philippines found its way to Kike Linares, who headed home under pressure, sealing the victory for the Filipinos with mere moments left on the clock.
Post-match, Philippines coach expressed, "We amped up our game and managed to clutch the win at home," reflecting the spirit of his side. Masatada Ichi couldn’t hide his disappointment but acknowledged the historical significance of the loss, stating, "This is our first loss to the Philippines after 52 years," providing insight on the challenges faced by his team.
The series is not over yet, as Thailand will look to bounce back when they host the Philippines at Rajamangala National Stadium on December 30, 2024, for the second leg. With the aggregate score determining who advances to the finals, the stakes couldn't be higher.
Fans eager to witness the thrilling conclusion can purchase tickets through Thai Ticket Major channels, with excitement building as both teams prepare for battle.
