The Philippine Azkals was officially booted out in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup after being routed by the host team Thailand War Elephants, 3-0, in the second leg of their semifinal match held at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok Wednesday night.
The Philippines, thus will finish as a semifinalist for the third straight time in this tournament.
The Thais took off to a hot start with Chanathip Songkrasin giving the home team a 1-0 lead. They then took full advantage of their home court as Kroekrit Thawika delivered the backbreaking goals – first in the 56th minute and the last in the 87th.
Thailand will next face Vietnam or Malaysia in the final.
The Azkals are currently the No. 1 team in the Southeast Asian region while Thailand is at fourth as of the November global rankings of FIFA.
The Azkals failed to capitalize on their chance to win at home as they were held to a scoreless draw against Thailand in the first semis leg last Dec. 6 in Manila. The defeat extended the Filipinos’ winless streak against the Thais since 1971.