Enrique Linares' stoppage time header gave the Philippine national men's football team a 2-1 win over defending champion Thailand in the first leg of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup semifinals late Friday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

In the National's return to the semifinals after six years, Linares was able to score a late goal after getting an assist from Paul Tabinas.

This is the first time the Philippines won a semifinal leg ever in the Mitsubishi Electric Cup.

It is also the Nationals' first win over the War Elephants since 1972.

Sandro Reyes scored the first goal of the match in the 21st minute off an assist from Alex Monis.

Suphanat Mueanta then scored an equalizer for the Thais in the 45th minute.
With this win, the Philippines hold a 2-1 lead in this two-legged semifinals.

The second leg will be held on Monday, 30 December,  at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.

Shoulf the Philippines retain its lead in the semifinals, it will book its spot in the championship for the first time since the competition started in 1996.