Bangkok: The Philippines will defend a 2-1 first leg lead when they travel to Bangkok to take on the record seven-time champions Thailand at the Rajamangala Stadium for an enticing ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024 Semi-Final second leg on Monday.
It was one of the greatest nights in Filipino football history when they defeated regional heavyweights Thailand 2-1 in Manila, for their first victory against the Thais in 52 years.
Sandro Reyes gave the Filipinos the lead with a brilliant left-footed strike from outside the box but Suphanan Bureerat equalised for Thailand right on the stroke of half-time.
Suphanat Mueanta hit the crossbar for the visitors in the second half with both teams having chances but it was Albert Capellas’ side who made it count with almost the last kick of the game.
Zico Bailey floated in a free-kick which was nodded in by Paul Tabinas right across the face of goal, where Kiko Linares was present to head the ball into the net and forever etch his name into Filipino football folklore.
Linares, who incidentally plays his club football for Lamphun Warriors in Thai League 1, sparked wild celebrations on the pitch and across the stadium as 7,116 fans rejoiced in a moment to cherish.
Ahead of the return leg, Capellas has stressed on the fact that his team will not be playing for a draw in Bangkok in what will be a tough test but they will welcome the return of their captain Amani Aguinaldo into the lineup.
On the other hand, Thailand head coach Masatada Ishii apologised for the defeat at the post-match press conference stating that Southeast Asian football is unpredictable and winning the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ is difficult but he is confident in Thailand’s ability to overturn the result at home.
Star winger Supachok Sarachat made his first appearance of the competition playing 79 minutes in left wing and will once again play a crucial role in this game, meaning the War Elephants’ armoury which already consists of the likes of Suphanat and Patrik Gustavsson, has been further strengthened.
The Thais ran out 3-0 winners when these teams met in Bangkok for the semi-final second leg in 2014 with Thailand confident that they can produce a similar result while the Philippines are focused on avoiding a similar fate a decade later.
Thailand vs Philippines
Venue: Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok
Kick-off: 30 December, 8:00 PM (Local Time)
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