SINGAPORE (22 December 2024) – Defending champions Thailand will face the Philippines in the semi-finals of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric CupTM 2024 after Albert Capellas’ team handed Indonesia a 1-0 defeat to take second place in Group B and set up a last four meeting with the seven-times winners.
Vietnam, meanwhile, defeated Myanmar 5-0 on Saturday to finish on top of Group B and Kim Sang-sik’s outfit will next face Singapore as the line-up for the knockout rounds of the latest edition of the Southeast Asian championship was finalised.
The Singaporeans will host the first leg against Vietnam on December 26 before playing the return three days later. Thailand will travel to Manila on December 27 for the opening clash with the Philippines, with the return to be played in Bangkok on December 30.
Vietnam confirmed themselves as winners of Group B with an impressive second half showing leading the 2008 and 2018 champions to a comprehensive victory over visiting Myanmar.
Following a goalless first half, Bui Vi Hao put the home side in front in Viet Tri from close range three minutes after the interval and then set up Nguyen Xuan Son to score the second seven minutes later.
Nguyen Quang Hai hit the third in the 74th minute while Xuan Son claimed his second at the end of regulation time before Nguyen Tien Linh bent a cool finish around Pyae Phyo Thu to complete the rout in the 92nd minute.
“I think we played very well tonight,” said Xuan Son, who was making his first appearance for Vietnam. “We followed the coach’s plan that we had in training and it’s a special night.
“I think we will go forward with the plans of the coach. The team has good quality, we have a lot of quality players. We have to enjoy, play well and not think too much about Singapore.”
The Philippines advanced after Bjorn Kristensen scored the game’s only goal from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute to take his nation into the semi-finals for the first time since 2018.
The result moved Capellas’ side above the Indonesians into second place in the group with six points from their four group matches.
“It’s very emotional for us, I’ve got no words,” said Philippines defender Amani Aguinaldo.
“I’m just so happy to be part of this team, to be part of the squad that went through so many difficulties in the past and now, to make history again and go to the semi-finals, it means so much to me, the team, the fans back home.
“I know we’ve been struggling a lot the last few years and I’m just very grateful for the people who never stopped supporting us. I hope we can keep the momentum going and go as far as we can.”
For more information about the Mitsubishi Electric CupTM 2024 including the match schedule and kick-off times, please visit https://aseanutdfc.com/ and @aseanutdfc on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X.
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