Action between the Philippines and Thailand in the 2026 ASEAN Championship, August 4, 2026 at the New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
MANILA -- The Philippines' hopes of advancing to the semifinals of the ASEAN Championship took a huge blow on Tuesday night after a painful 1-0 loss to Thailand at the New Clark City Stadium.
Waris Choolthong scored the lone goal of the game in the 84th minute to put Thailand ahead, breaking the hearts of the Filipinos who had defended resolutely up to that point.
The Thai defender found himself virtually unmarked inside the box and headed in a pinpoint cross from Picha Autra to finally beat Patrick Deyto.
With the result, Thailand now have nine points to top Group B, having won all three of their matches.
The Philippines remain at three points with one win and a draw, and will need to beat Malaysia by a huge margin on the final match day while hoping that other results also work out in their favor.
Neither side could find a breakthrough in the first half, though the Philippines had a couple of fine chances late.
Javier Mariona could have put the hosts ahead in the 41st minute if not for a last-second clearance. Off the resulting corner, Gavin Muens skied his attempt from the center of the box.
Thailand ramped up the intensity in the second half and dominated possession, though the Philippines' defense remained stout.
Their resistance was finally broken with six minutes left in regulation, however, as Waris' header sailed past Deyto's outstretched arms.
The Filipinos surged forward in the closing minutes in search of an equalizer, but their best chance was an attempt from Cole Mrowka that could not find its mark.
Both squads are back in action on August 8, with Thailand hosting Myanmar at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, and the Philippines visiting Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.