The Philippine Men’s National Football Team has secured a spot in the semifinals of the 2024 ASEAN Championship Mitsubishi Electric Cup with a narrow 1-0 victory over a youthful Indonesian side in a tense away match. After a slow start to the tournament, the Philippines seems to have hit their stride at just the right moment as the competition reaches its decisive phase.
The team's campaign began with back-to-back 1-1 draws, first at home against Myanmar and then on the road against Laos in Vientiane. These results left fans disappointed, as they expected wins against opponents considered beatable. Criticism mounted, and doubts about the team’s potential grew louder, especially with powerhouse Vietnam looming on the schedule for their next match in Manila.
Despite the skepticism, the players remained confident, believing they could turn things around as the tournament unfolded. Their resilience and determination have paid off, with the victory over Indonesia marking a turning point and setting them up for an exciting run toward the championship.
That unwavering self-belief shone brightly in the home match against Vietnam, where a spirited Philippines team delivered an outstanding performance against their highly favored opponents in front of a raucous crowd.
Though a stoppage-time equalizer denied the Philippines a pivotal victory, the match showcased the team’s growing confidence and resilience. Their belief in their abilities remained unshaken, setting the stage for what would come next.
Next up is a high-stakes home game against powerhouse Thailand on December 27, with fans expected to flood the Rizal Memorial Stadium to cheer on the Azkals. A semifinals match in the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup is a rare occasion, marking the first time in six years that the Philippines has reached this stage of the tournament.
Heading into the competition, few gave the team a chance to make it past the group stages. Yet, this young squad has defied expectations, coming together to earn their place among the final four. With an average age of just 24, they’ve displayed maturity and composure far beyond their years.
In a period when Philippine football was searching for its next generation of leaders, players like Sandro Reyes, Zico Bailey, and Javi Mariona have emerged as bright prospects. They now have the opportunity to achieve what their predecessors could not: reaching the AFF Cup final.
Adding to the team’s potential is Santi Rublico, who has yet to make his tournament debut but remains part of the squad. With the luxury of a five-day rest leading up to the clash with Thailand, the stage is set for an upset.
Few outside the diehard Philippine football community believed the Azkals would make it this far. But now, with the pressure squarely on defending champions Thailand, the chance to rewrite history beckons. Reaching the nation’s first-ever AFF Cup final would truly be a story for the ages.