Thailand’s national football team secured a dramatic 3-1 victory over the Philippines in the second leg of the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 semifinals on December 30 at Rajamangala Stadium. With the aggregate score tied at 3-3 after regular time, the match proceeded to extra time, where Thailand clinched the win with a decisive header from Suphanat Mueanta. The result propelled Thailand to the final with a 4-3 aggregate win.
The game started with Thailand needing at least a two-goal margin to advance, following a 1-2 loss in the first leg. In the 37th minute, Peeradon Chamratsamee opened the scoring for Thailand, equalizing the aggregate at 2-2. Shortly after halftime, Patrick Gustavsson added a second goal, initially ruled offside but validated by VAR, putting Thailand ahead 3-2 on aggregate. Despite the lead, the Philippines fought back, with Bjorn Christensen narrowing the gap to 3-3 in the 84th minute, sending the match into extra time.
In extra time, Thailand struggled initially but found momentum in the second half. Suphanat Mueanta, who came on as a substitute, delivered the winning goal with a header, ensuring Thailand’s progression to the final. The victory sets up a showdown with Vietnam, with the first leg away on January 2, 2025, and the second leg at home on January 5.