THE Philippines ended the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 campaign with a 2-1 win over Southeast Asian powerhouse Thailand on Friday night at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, Indonesia.
A brace by Bjorn Kristensen in the third and 68th minute amid wet conditions got PMNFT the victory over Thailand for only the third time in history.
Their most recent win was during the group stage of the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup where they beat Thailand, 2-1, on a late goal by Kike Linares.
But unlike that match where the Philippines won against Thailand after 52 years, the match had little significance with PMNT failing to advance to the medal rounds after finishing in third place in Group B with four points on a 1-1-1 win-draw-loss record.
Vietnam also won over Pakistan, 4-2, to finish second in Group B.
Thailand opted to play most of their second stringers in its final group stage match, but nevertheless made it to the gold medal match despite the loss by topping Group B with six points.
They will face Indonesia, the first placer in Group A.
Second placers Malaysia and Vietnam battle for the bronze.
The Philippines lost to Vietnam, 1-0, and drew with Pakistan, 2-2, but not after squandering a two-goal lead.
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