Philippines and Vietnam posted sensational victories in the first legs of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024 semi-finals played on Thursday and Friday, but there is still plenty at stake for all four sides involved with the return legs on the horizon.
While Vietnam needed two stoppage-time goals to defeat Singapore at Jalan Besar Stadium, the Philippines scored in the dying embers of their game at Rizal Memorial Stadium to register a surprise 2-1 win against reigning champions Thailand.
Now, ASEAN United FC lets you, the fans, pick the best goal from the first legs of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ semi-finals by voting at the bottom of the article.
Nguyen Xuan Son (vs Singapore)
Nguyen Xuan Son continued the fine start to his international scoring by taking his tally to three goals in two appearances for Vietnam, with a goal in the 14th minute of second-half stoppage time to seal the 2-0 victory against four-time champions Singapore.
Xuan Son had already won the penalty from which Nguyen Tien Linh took the lead in the 11th minute of added time. Then three minutes later, Nguyen Hoang Duc’s outswinging corner was directed towards Xuan Son with the most delicate of touches by Pham Xuan Manh for the striker to score with an easy finish.
Sandro Reyes (vs Thailand)
Sandro Reyes has been an integral part of this Philippines side who took their nation to their first ASEAN Championship semi-final appearance since 2018 and the 21-year-old was once again instrumental in their famous 2-1 victory against Thailand on Friday.
The youngster had played Alex Monis through on goal in the 21st minute but received the ball back before having a go himself from outside the box. It was indeed worth a try as he unleashed a strike into the back of the net with his left foot, giving Thai goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai no chance of saving.
Suphanan Bureerat (vs Philippines)
Masatada Ishii’s Thailand were given a tough battle by the Philippines in the first leg as the hosts dominated the proceedings in the first half, but it was Suphanan Bureerat who finished off a swift counter-attack and brought the visitors back into the game by making it 1-1 at the stroke of half-time.
From a corner at the other end, Supachok Sarachat released Suphanat Mueanta, who drove forward with the ball before playing through Patrik Gustavsson in the box. The Thai striker then crossed for Suphanan to find the back of the net at the far post.
Enrique Linares (vs Thailand)
A maiden international goal couldn’t have come at a better moment for Philippines centre-back Enrique Linares, who struck the 95th-minute winner that downed the defending champions 2-1 and sent the home supporters into raptures at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
Zico Bailey floated in a free-kick into the box in the fifth and final minute of second-half stoppage time and Philippines right-back Paul Tabinas knocked the ball across goal for 25-year-old Linares to head home the winner from close range and stun the holders, who now have to overcome a one-goal deficit in the second leg in Bangkok.
Share now
