MANILA – The national men’s football team bowed out of semifinals contention in the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup due to a 2-1 defeat to the Thailand War Elephants on Tuesday night at the National Stadium in Singapore.
With the loss, the Azkals found itself left with three points, on one victory and a loss, in Group A. Meanwhile, the War Elephants increases its tally to nine points.
The Philippine Azkals fell 1-0 early as War Elephants veteran Teerasil Dangda had a spectacular goal from a cross by teammate Theerathon Bunmathan.
The 26th minute hit was historic for the Thailand legend. He became the all-time leader in goals scoring in the AFF Suzuki Cup with his 18th career conversion.
Following misses in the opening half, the Azkals managed to tie the score at the 57th minute mark as Patrick Reichelt turned Kevin Ingreso’s missed free kick into a goal.
Azkals defender Armani Aguinaldo, however, committed an ill-advised foul on War Elephants midfielder Thitiphan Puangjan in the 76th minute that led to a penalty kick.
Puangjan was not able to convert his freebie but Dangda was at the right place at the right time for the War Elephants. He shot past Azkals goalie Kevin Hansen to give a 2-1 edge to Thailand.
“We gave away the ball in the corner. We were a bit sloppy and loose on possession. We gave the ball away and they got the cross in to the goal,” rued Azkals head coach Stewart Hall.
“That could have been avoided. But having said that, they are a good team. They play some good football. They attack together. They defend together. Credit to Thailand,” Hall added.
Still, the national men’s football team hopes to leave Singapore on a winning note. It battles Myanmar on their final assignment at 8:30 pm on Saturday, Dec. 18./PN
