Thailand knocks PHL Azkals out of playoff contention in AFF Suzuki Cup

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

For the first time since 2016, the Philippine Azkals won’t be tasting a semifinal qualification in the AFF Suzuki Cup.

The knock-out defeat came after Thailand denied the Azkals of a win, 1-2, in a tightly-contested physical game at the National Stadium in Kallang, Singapore.

Thailand kicked off the game with high intensity as their fast pace caused early problems for the Azkals’ backline defense that collapsed every time the Thais stepped on the gas pedal.

The Azkals’ defense eventually fell at the 26^th minute of the match as Thailand’s Teerasil Dangda drew first blood after converting on a sweet cross pass from Theeraton Bunmathan.

31 minutes after the first goal, the Azkals showed signs of life after Patrick Reichelt equalized the contest when he quickly tapped the ball inside the net off a free kick from Kevin Ingreso.

The Azkals looked to flip the switch and became more aggressive with their offensive attack to pile up more goals but Thailand’s defense didn’t allow them to do so.

12 minutes before the match ended, another late Thailand goal was added into the party as Dangda swished in a penalty goal for a brace.

The penalty violation came after Azkals’ defender Amani Aguinaldo was caught extending his leg in a scramble which led to Thitipan Puangjan of Thailand going down.

Despite having another match left against Myanmar, the Azkals won’t be able to clinch a semifinals spot even if they thwart the opposition.