Kike Linares netted a dramatic 95th-minute winner as the Philippines overcame reigning champions Thailand 2-1 in the first leg of their 2024/25 AFF Championship semifinal at Rizal Memorial Stadium on Friday.
Sandro Reyes initially put the hosts ahead, only for Suphanan Bureerat to level the score just before halftime. However, the Philippines, in pursuit of their maiden title, sealed an iconic victory when center-back Linares, who ply his trade at Thai League 1 side Lamphun Warriors, headed in a decisive goal from a free-kick in the dying moments of the game.
Missing their suspended captain Amani Aguinaldo, the Philippines once again relied on 23-year-old Quincy Kammeraad in goal, who stepped in for the injured Patrick Deyto following their 1-0 win over Indonesia in the group stage.
Thailand, meanwhile, welcomed back attacking midfielder Supachok Sarachat from a hamstring injury, marking his first international appearance since June, further bolstering their squad’s title credentials.
The Filipinos started strongly, dominating possession and testing Thailand goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai in the ninth minute when Reyes intercepted the ball in the final third and unleashed a shot from inside the box.
Thailand’s first opportunity came in the 19th minute when an unmarked Akarapong Pumwiset failed to connect properly with a header from a Suphanat Mueanta cross, allowing Kammeraad to collect the ball with ease.
Two minutes later, the Philippines broke the deadlock. Alex Monis attempted to find space for a shot but instead passed back to Reyes, who curled a brilliant left-footed strike into the top corner from outside the box, making it 1-0.
Albert Capellas’ side continued to control the game, but Thailand managed to equalize on the stroke of halftime through a swift counter-attack following a Philippines corner. Supachok and Suphanat advanced the ball, with Suphanat setting up Patrik Gustavsson, who delivered a cross for Suphanan to score and level the match at 1-1.
Thailand nearly took the lead early in the second half when Suphanat cut in from the left and struck the crossbar, with Supachok’s follow-up attempt sailing over.
The Philippines’ appeals for a penalty were dismissed after Bjorn Kristensen went down under a challenge from Saringkan Promsupa, while Gustavsson and Akarapong narrowly missed chances at the other end during a frantic opening to the second half.
The War Elephants dominated much of the second period but struggled to convert their control into goals. In the 82nd minute, Suphanan’s cross found Teerasak Poeiphimai, whose header set up Akarapong. However, his volley was expertly stopped by Kammeraad, with Worachit Kanitsribampen missing the target on the rebound.
Thailand captain Peeradon Chamratsamee almost stole the win with a powerful long-range effort in the second minute of stoppage time, but his shot brushed past the outside of the post.
Just when the game seemed destined for a draw, the Philippines won a free-kick deep into stoppage time after William Weidersjo fouled Christian Rontini. Zico Bailey delivered a precise ball into the box, where right-back Paul Tabinas headed it back across goal for former PSM Makassar outcast Linares, who plays in Thailand’s top division, to nod in the winner from close range.
The thrilling first leg result gives the Philippines a crucial advantage heading into the second leg, set to take place at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on Monday.