PH men write new chapter in football history with stunning win vs. Thailand

Sandro Reyes of the Philippines celebrates after scoring a goal against Thailand in the semifinals of the 2024 ASEAN Championship, December 27, 2024 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. PFF-PMNFT

MANILA (UPDATED) -- The Philippines took a huge step towards a first-ever finals appearance in the ASEAN Championship with a stunning 2-1 triumph against Thailand, Friday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

It marks the first time that the Philippine men's national football team has ever beaten Thailand in the competition, having lost ten times and drawn twice to the Southeast Asian powerhouse, who are the holders of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup.

The historic result in the first leg of the 2024 semifinal gives the Philippines an advantage heading into the second leg, set for Monday, December 30, in Bangkok's Rajamangala Stadium.

READ: PH men's football team looks forward to playing at home for ASEAN Cup semis

READ: PH Football Team make first ASEAN Cup semis appearance since 2018

Kike Linares was the hero for the Philippines, scoring five minutes into stoppage time to lift the home side to victory, just when it appeared as though the match was headed for a draw.

Off a free kick from Zico Bailey, Paul Tabinas headed the ball into the path of Linares, who guided the ball to the back of the net and triggered wild celebrations among the team and the Filipino fans in the historic stadium.

Rising star Sandro Reyes put the Philippines ahead for the first time in the 21st minute, coolly firing a left-footed missile from the edge of the box to give the Philippines a well-deserved lead.

Thailand very nearly scored the go-ahead goal just two minutes after the restart after Suphanat Mueanta rattled the crossbar, while the Philippines were denied a penalty after Bjorn Kristensen went down at the edge of the box.

The War Elephants had their own chance in stoppage time through skipper Peeradon Chamratsamee, but the Philippines' defense held firm before they maximized a late opportunity when Christian Rontini was fouled by William Weidersjo.

Not only was this the Philippines' first win against Thailand in the tournament's history, this was also their first triumph over their neighbors in 52 years. Not since the Jakarta Cup in 1972 had the Filipinos registered a win against the regional powerhouse.

The winner of the PH-Thailand semifinal will play the winner of the other semis match-up between Vietnam and Singapore. Vietnam won the first leg, 2-0, on Thursday, with the return leg set for Sunday.