KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 30 (Bernama) -- Defending champions Thailand defeated the Philippines 3-1 in the second leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup semi-finals, securing their place in the final with a 4-3 aggregate win at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok tonight.
Substitute Suphanat Mueanta emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 116th minute of extra time with a header from Worachit Kanitsribumphen’s cross, breaking the 3-3 aggregate deadlock.
Thailand, coached by Masatada Ishii, took the lead in the 37th minute through Peeradon Chamratsamee’s close-range finish after a failed clearance by Adrian Ugelvik.
Patrik Gustavsson doubled their advantage in the 54th minute, calmly beating goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad to make it 3-2 on aggregate for the seven-time champions.
The Philippines fought back, levelling the aggregate at 3-3 in the 84th minute with a stunning long-range strike from Bjorn Kristensen that left Thai goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai helpless.
Patiwat redeemed himself late in regular time, producing two crucial saves to deny Amani Aguinaldo’s header and Javier Gayoso’s follow-up, forcing the match into extra time.
Thailand will face Vietnam in the two-legged final, beginning with an away fixture on Thursday before hosting the second leg on Sunday. Thailand defeated Vietnam 3-2 on aggregate in last year’s final.
-- BERNAMA
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