The underdog Philippines pushed Thailand to uncharted territory before falling 3-1 in the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup finals at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 30.
The Thai reigning champions emerged with a 4-3 semi final aggregate score, rebounding from the Filipinos' historic 2-1 triumph over them in the first leg in Manila.
PH’s heroes
Bjorn Kristensen, a second-half substitute and the Philippines' ace striker, capitalized on a patient buildup from the back third to score a 20-yard goal in the 84th minute, tying the two-leg series 3-3.
The Philippines gained momentum when scorer Jarvey Gayoso struck the woodwork off the rebound and Amani Aguinaldo had two dangerous chances inside the box in the 90th minute, frightening a wobbly Thailand team and saving them from a letdown in front of their home crowd.
But in the 116th minute, Suphanat Mueanta overcame Paul Tabinas and Quincy Kammeraad's defense to win the series for Thailand with a header off a diagonal cross by Worachit Kanitsribumphen.
Historic run
After making it to the semi-finals of the region's top football competition for the first time in six years, the Filipinos were denied their first-ever ASEAN Cup finals trip.
With higher hopes now, the national team will play again in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers in March, competing against Tajikistan, Timor Leste, and the Maldives for a ticket in the continental competition.
The Philippines will have to top their group to enter the Asian cup.
