Hanoi (VNA) - Thailand will face Vietnam in the final of the 2024 ASEAN Championship after Suphanat Mueanta's extra-time header earned the defending champions a 3-1 win over the Philippines in Bangkok on December 30 to register a 4-3 aggregate victory.
Trailing 1-2 in the first leg, Thailand turned the tide around quickly with goals from Peeradol Chamrasamee and Patrik Gustavsson in the 37th and 54th minutes to make it 3-2 on aggregate.
However, Philippine Bjorn Martin Kristensen’s composed and stunning long-range finish in the 84th minute made it 3-3 across the two legs.
The match went into extra time, where the Philippines’ superior fitness and relentless pressure tested the limits of Thailand’s exhausted players.
In the 98th minute, Thailand coach Masatada Ishii brought on Suphanat Muenta as he saved the star forward until the final moments. Muenta’s impact was almost immediate and crucial. In just 20 minutes on the pitch, he made a difference with a powerful header goal in the 116th minute to seal Thailand’s spot in the final, as the crowd at Rajamangala erupted in euphoria.
Vietnam have qualified for the 2024 ASEAN Championship final after a 3-1 win at home (5-1 on aggregate) against Singapore at Viet Tri stadium in Phu Tho province on December 29.
The first leg of the final between Vietnam and Thailand will take place at Viet Tri stadium on January 2. The second leg will be held on Thailand's home turf on January 5./.
VNA
