Thailand Beaten by Philippines, Still Reaches ASEAN Cup Final
Thailand, already assured of a place in the ASEAN Cup final, rotated its squad and lost 2‑1 to the Philippines in a rain‑affected Group B match in Bandung. Bjorn Kristensen scored both goals for the Philippines, while Thailand’s only reply came from a Seksan Ratree assist to Ikhlas Sornhan in the second half. The War Elephants will now meet hosts Indonesia in the final on 5 October.
Thailand, having already qualified for the final, rotated most of its players for the final group match against the Philippines. The game at Sri Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung was postponed 40 minutes due to a lightning alert and played under constant rain. In the third minute, Bjorn Kristensen gave the Philippines a 1‑0 lead. Thailand pressed for an equaliser but their passing in the final third lacked precision on the waterlogged pitch, and they almost conceded on several counter‑attacks after losing possession in their own half. In the second half Thailand pushed forward, and in the 55th minute substitute Seksan Ratree set up Ikhlas Sornhan for a fine goal to make it 1‑1. However, Kristensen struck again in the 68th minute to restore the Philippines’ lead at 2‑1, which held as the winner. The result gave the Philippines four points from three matches. In the other Group B match, Vietnam defeated Pakistan 4‑2 and will now contest the third‑place playoff against Malaysia. Thailand will face hosts Indonesia in the ASEAN Cup final on 5 October at 19:00 local time at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
