Magic in Manila: Linares, Reyes hand PH first win in 52 years vs Thais in Mitsubishi Cup semis

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Kike Linares sends the Philippines to a roaring, historic win over defending Mitsubishi Cup champion Thailand in a stunning stoppage-time heist, while Sandro Reyes gives a crucial early leg up

MANILA, Philippines – A half-century drought in Philippine men’s football has come to a stunning end.

Kike Linares converted a late header in stoppage time as the Philippines shocked Thailand, 2-1, in Leg 1 of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup semifinals at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Friday, December 27.

Linares’ goal gave the Filipinos their first win against the defending champion Thais across all international competitions in 52 years.

The game-winner came off Ziko Bailey’s set-piece, which Paul Tabinas received before the 25-year-old Linares connected the header, triggering a frenzied celebration in the 95th minute from the 7,116-strong crowd.

The last time the Philippines defeated Thailand was in June 1972, during the Jakarta Anniversary Tournament.

“We never lost hope. This team, they are fighters. They never lost belief. They fight so much for this country,” the Philippines’ head coach Albert Capellas said.

The victory puts the Philippines in a prime position to not only end Thailand’s reign but also advance to the tournament’s finals for the first time in its history.

The final leg will happen on Monday, December 30, at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, where the Filipinos only need at least a draw to advance to the finals.

Sandro Reyes opened the floodgates for the Philippines, scoring the game’s first goal off a left boot in the 21st minute.

The jubilation, however, was short-lived as Suphanan Bureerat equalized for Thailand in the 45th minute courtesy of a counterattack from a low cross in the Philippines’ set piece.

Thailand had numerous opportunities in the back-and-forth 45 minutes that ensued, but Peeradol Chamrasamee and Worachit Kanitsribumphen both had wide attempts that missed the mark.

With one final look in stoppage time, Bailey delivered a precise set-piece pass, which ended in history for the Philippines.

It was only the second victory of the Filipinos in the tournament, having drawn their first three games, before securing a victory against Indonesia to advance to the semifinals.

Meanwhile, Thailand tasted their first loss this season after winning all four group-stage games.

The Thais had 14 attempts against the Filipinos’ 6, but the home squad kept its defensive screws intact with 16 clearances, five more than Thailand, on top of three crucial saves to snag the historic win. – Rappler.com

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