Thailand Overcomes Philippines to Reach ASEAN Championship Final Against Vietnam
Thailand secured their spot in the final of the ASEAN Championship with a dramatic 3-1 extra-time victory over the Philippines on Monday, clinching a 4-3 aggregate win. Suphanat Mueanta’s 116th-minute header proved decisive, setting up a rematch of the 2022 final against Vietnam, which Thailand won 3-2 on aggregate.
First Half: Thailand Gains Momentum
Trailing 2-1 from the first leg in Manila, Thailand needed a strong performance in Bangkok to advance. Peeradon Chamratsamee gave the defending champions the lead in the 37th minute, firing past Philippines goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad to level the aggregate score at 2-2.
Second Half: Gustavsson Strikes, Kristensen Responds
Patrik Gustavsson extended Thailand’s aggregate advantage nine minutes into the second half with a precise first-time finish from a tight angle. However, the Philippines fought back. With just seven minutes left in regulation, Norway-born striker Bjorn Kristensen unleashed a low, curling shot from 20 yards that beat Patiwat Khammai to make it 3-3 on aggregate, forcing the game into extra time.
Extra Time: Suphanat’s Heroic Header
As penalties loomed, Thailand found their hero in Suphanat Mueanta. In the 116th minute, the forward rose to meet a pinpoint cross from Worachit Kanitsribampen and powered a downward header past Kammeraad, sealing the seven-time champions’ passage to the final.
Vietnam Awaits in the Final
Vietnam earned their place in the final on Sunday with a commanding 3-1 second-leg victory over Singapore in Viet Tri, completing a 5-1 aggregate win. Nguyen Xuan Son was the standout performer, scoring twice to ensure Vietnam’s progression.
The first leg of the final will be held in Viet Tri on Thursday, with the return match scheduled for Sunday in Bangkok. Thailand and Vietnam will once again battle for regional supremacy in what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the tournament.
