Philippines Beats Indonesia, Returns to ASEAN Semis

The Philippine men’s national football team (PMNFT) defeated Indonesia 1-0 to secure a spot in the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup semifinals, marking their first victory against Indonesia since 2014 and their first win on Indonesian soil.

The win at Manahan Stadium in Surakarta propelled the Philippines to the tournament’s home-and-away semifinals for the first time since 2018.

The team will face defending champion Thailand today, December 27, at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

“I can’t begin to describe how I feel right now,” said Philippine Football Federation Director for National Teams Freddy Gonzalez.

“It’s just nice to be back where we belong in the semifinals, but the job’s not done yet.”

Despite playing four games in nine days, the PMNFT displayed resilience and determination.

“These guys really dug deep and pulled off an amazing victory today,” added Gonzalez, a former national team striker.

The game’s lone goal came in the 63rd minute when Bjorn Kristensen converted a penalty after Paul Tabinas forced an Indonesian handball by Dony Tri Pamungkas.

Indonesia started strong, with speedster Marcelino Ferdinan leading their attack.

Ferdinan had three shots on target saved by substitute goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad and another hit the woodwork.

Indonesia’s momentum waned after captain Muhammad Ferrari received a red card in the 43rd minute for elbowing Philippine skipper Amani Aguinaldo, leaving the home team with 10 men.

Kristensen nearly scored in the first half with a header, but it was saved by Cahya Supriadi.

In the second half, Indonesia’s Hokky Brilliant and Achmad Syarif threatened on offense, but Kammeraad stood firm in goal.

After Kristensen’s penalty, the Philippines pushed forward, with substitute Uriel Dalapo and Jarvey Gayoso both coming close to extending the lead.

Despite 14 minutes of added time, the PMNFT’s defense held strong, with Kammeraad making a crucial save against a late shot by Indonesian substitute Ronaldo Joybera Jr.

“This is very emotional for us. There are no words,” said Aguinaldo, who, alongside injured starting keeper Patrick Deyto, was part of the 2018 squad.

Man of the Match Kammeraad, who replaced Deyto in the fourth minute, expressed his pride.

“I think we created our luck today, and this is something the country has been needing for a long time.”

The Philippines has never beaten Thailand in head-to-head history and suffered a 1-3 loss against the world No. 97 in October’s King’s Cup, where Kristensen scored his first international goal.

“I hope we will have our fans behind us at home,” said PMNFT head coach Albert Capellas.

“We need a full stadium, and we will try to do our best to beat Thailand.”