Asean Cup: PH’s semifinals hopes take hit after loss to Thailand

The Philippine men’s football team during the match vs Thailand in the 2026 Asean Hyundai Cup at New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine men’s football team’s semifinal hopes in the Asean Hyundai Cup suffered a crucial blow after a 1-0 loss to Thailand on Tuesday at New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.

Waris Choolthong scored in the 84th minute to hand the Philippines a stinging home defeat and left the hosts on the brink of elimination in Group B.

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Goalkeeper Patrick Deyto was one of the reasons the match stayed scoreless until Choolthong came through for the visitors.

Coach Carles Cuadrat’s side remained on three points with one win and two defeats after three matches heading into its group-stage finale against Malaysia on Saturday in Kuala Lumpur.

The Philippines sits in fourth place behind Thailand, which stayed on top of the group with nine points, while Myanmar and Malaysia have six points apiece.

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The defeat also left the Filipinos needing help to reach the semifinals.

They must beat Malaysia convincingly and hope Thailand defeats Myanmar.

Meanwhile, Thailand improved to three wins in as many matches without conceding a goal.