Philippines head coach Albert Capellas. PFF-PMNFT

MANILA -- The Philippines' historic victory against Thailand in the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup should be credited to the players' fighting spirit, coach Albert Capellas said on Friday.

For the first time in 52 years, the Philippines pulled off a win against their powerhouse neighbors, with a late Kike Linares goal powering the team to a 2-1 result against the War Elephants in the first leg of their semifinal tie.

The win put them a step closer towards a breakthrough finals appearance in the 2024 ASEAN Championships, much to the delight of Capellas.

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

"Very happy for all the supporters, for all the fans. I'm very happy for the players because they never gave up," said the gaffer. 

Capellas was especially pleased with their first-half effort, which was highlighted by a 21st minute goal by star midfielder Sandro Reyes. Thailand cancelled out his goal at the stroke of halftime, however, pouncing on an errant Philippines corner kick to score in transition courtesy of Suphanan Bureerat.

The coach noted that they "suffered more" in the second half when Thailand ramped up their pressure, but the Filipinos' resolute defending only gave Capellas more reason to be proud.

"We have conceded some chances that we shouldn't. But we handled it together. We never lost hope, because this team, they are fighters. They believe, they fight so much for this country. I'm so proud of them," he said.

"The win at the end, I think it was what we deserve. I'm very happy," he added.

Almost immediately, however, Capellas switched his focus to the second leg of the semifinals, set for Monday at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok. 

This continues a packed schedule for the Filipinos, who have now played five matches in 17 games.

"I want to be sure now the players recover fast. Again, try to find the balance inside of the team, because we have a very important game in three days. We have to travel, also Thailand has to travel. And then, we will try to qualify [for the final]. We will do our best," said Capellas. 

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