The Philippine men’s football team inspiring campaign in the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup came to a heartbreaking end against defending champions Thailand. Despite an impressive 2-1 advantage after the first leg of the semifinals on December 27, the Filipinos were defeated 3-1 in extra time during the second leg of Philippines vs Thailand at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on December 30.
The loss, which resulted in a 4-3 aggregate score for Thailand, dashed the Filipinos' hopes of reaching their first-ever finals appearance.
Head coach Albert Capellas expressed pride in his team’s performance, despite the painful loss. “I’m very proud of my players. We will come back stronger, I can promise you that,” said Capellas after the match.
The defeat was particularly crushing, as Bjørn Kristensen’s stunning 84th-minute goal forced extra time and gave the Philippines a fighting chance. They came agonizingly close to forcing a penalty shootout before Suphanat Mueanta’s decisive header in the 116th minute sealed the win for Thailand.
Capellas acknowledged the match’s rollercoaster nature, praising his team’s performance in the first 20 minutes and the last 20 minutes of regular time but lamenting their inability to contain Thailand’s attacks in the final moments of extra time. “We allowed too many crosses,” Capellas noted. “Next time, we will learn from that lesson, and we will come back stronger.”
The 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup marked a historic milestone for the Philippine men’s football team. Under Capellas’ leadership, the squad not only reached the semifinals for the first time since 2018 but also secured a groundbreaking 2-1 victory over Thailand in the first leg a feat that ended a 52-year winless streak against the regional powerhouse.
Capellas, who took over the program just three months prior in September, emphasized the importance of learning from this experience. “We just arrived at this level,” he said. “It’s the first time that we are here after a lot of years. We have to learn from this experience. All I can promise is that we’ll learn from this, and we’ll become stronger."
The 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup marked a historic milestone for the Philippine men’s football team. Under Capellas’ leadership, the squad not only reached the semifinals for the first time since 2018 but also secured a groundbreaking 2-1 victory over Thailand in the first leg a feat that ended a 52-year winless streak against the regional powerhouse.
Capellas, who took over the program just three months prior in September, emphasized the importance of learning from this experience. “We just arrived at this level,” he said. “It’s the first time that we are here after a lot of years. We have to learn from this experience. All I can promise is that we’ll learn from this, and we’ll become stronger.”
While optimistic about the future, Capellas highlighted the need for greater support from key stakeholders to elevate Philippine football. “I hope we get the support from the federation, the government, and from the people who love football to help us grow football in the Philippines,” he urged.
Capellas outlined several areas for improvement, including developing a more powerful domestic league, investing in youth football, and providing more opportunities for players to gain international experience. “We need to invest. We will work very hard to make it happen,” he added.
The second leg wasn’t without its share of controversy. Thailand’s first goal, scored by Peeradol Chamrasamee in the 37th minute, came under scrutiny when replays showed the ball had likely gone out of bounds before Seksan Ratree delivered the assist. However, Japanese referee Kimura Hiroyuki allowed the goal to stand, sparking debates among fans and analysts alike.
Thailand took control early in the second half with a counterattack that led to Patrik Gustavsson’s goal in the 53rd minute. But the Filipinos demonstrated remarkable grit, with Kristensen leveling the aggregate score in the 84th minute.
In extra time, the Philippines created opportunities to take the lead. Amani Aguinaldo’s header was brilliantly saved by Thailand’s goalkeeper, while Jarvey Gayoso narrowly missed a follow-up chance. Ultimately, Mueanta’s header in the 116th minute secured Thailand’s passage to the finals, leaving the Philippines just short of their historic goal.
Despite the loss, the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup has reignited hope for Philippine football. The team’s progress under Capellas is a testament to their potential, and the lessons learned from this campaign will undoubtedly fuel future success.
The national team now shifts its focus to the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers in March, where they will face Maldives, Timor Leste, and Tajikistan. With Capellas at the helm and a renewed commitment to growth, the Philippines aims to solidify its position as a rising force in Southeast Asian football.
For Filipino football fans and sports enthusiasts, OKBet offers the latest updates and opportunities to engage with the action through sports betting. As Asia’s premier online sports betting platform, OKBet ensures a seamless experience, from match coverage to exciting betting options.
Join the growing community of Filipino sports bettor. Sign up for free in OKBet today and be part of the journey as the Philippines continues to rise in the world of football!
