MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine men’s football team moved closer to elimination from the Asean Hyundai Cup after Thailand scored an 84th-minute goal for a 1-0 victory Tuesday at New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.
Waris Choolthong broke the deadlock late in the match, dealing a major blow to the Philippines’ semifinal hopes in Group B.
Goalkeeper Patrick Deyto kept Thailand from scoring for most of the match, but Choolthong eventually found the breakthrough in the 84th minute.
The loss left the Philippines with three points from three matches after one win and two defeats under coach Carles Cuadrat.
The Filipinos will close their group-stage campaign against Malaysia on Saturday in Kuala Lumpur.
The Philippines currently sits fourth in Group B behind Thailand with nine points and Myanmar and Malaysia with six points each.
The Filipinos now need to beat Malaysia convincingly and hope Thailand defeats Myanmar to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
Thailand, meanwhile, strengthened its hold on first place with three victories in three matches and has yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
