| Bjorn Kristensen's penalty in the 63rd minute enough to send Philippines to the semifinals of AMEC 2024 vs. Indonesia. PFF |
By Gil Moriones
MANILA - The vital catch and save by Quincy Kammeraad in the 90+14 minutes of the game to halt the equalizing attempt by Ronaldo Kwateh was enough for the Philippines to qualify to the Final 4 of the continuing ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024, Saturday night at Manahan stadium in Surakarta, Indonesia, 1-0, thanks to Bjorn Kristensen.
Kammeraad, came to replace the starting Patrick Deyto who early injured in the 9th minute, finished this vital game saving six shots including the one in the last play that prevented Indonesia to march in the semifinals with Vietnam.
The exchange of fouls and words completely between two hot-headed sides separated by Kristensen in the 63rd minute through his converted spot kick after Indonesian defender deflected the ball onto his hands trying to defend Paul Tabinas' cross inside the penalty box.
This win earned in front of the hostile crowd became historic and vital as the Philippines set its comeback in the semifinal stages of the regional biennial cup since 2018 and their first win vs. Indonesia since 2014.
The physicality of the Philippines intensified in this must-win game recording 17 fouls and seven PMNFT players were awarded yellow cards. But, the young Garudas suffered as they went down to 10-man after Muhammad Ferrari sanctioned a red card after hurting Amani Aguinaldo with his elbow in the 42nd minute.
"It's a very emotional for us. I got no words. I'm just so happy to be part of this team, to be part of the squad that went through so much difficulties in the past and now to make history again and go the semifinals means so much", team captain Aguinaldo emotionally stated on the post-interview.
The Philippines will face the defending champions, Thailand, on its two-legged semifinals on December 27 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium and on Rizal Day at Rajamangala stadium.
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