For over 80 minutes, Philippines looked poised to grind out a crucial Group B draw against regional powerhouses Thailand in the ASEAN Championship -- officially known as the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026.
Then came Waris Chooltong's 84th-minute header.
The late strike allowed the Thais to escape with a 1-0 victory over Philippines at New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac on Tuesday, dealing the Filipinos a major blow in their bid to reach the semifinals.
The defeat left Philippines on three points, keeping them in fourth place in Group B. They now trail both Malaysia and Myanmar by three points -- with the latter surging ahead earlier in the evening with a 7-2 rout of Laos.
Thailand, meanwhile, improved to a perfect nine points through three matches to tighten its grip on top spot in the group.
"It's sad that the guys didn't get the reward of at least one point," Philippines coach Carles Cuadrat said.
"Because with one point, then you can go to Malaysia to repeat what happened in the last [ASEAN Championship in 2024], when it had to be a must-win match in Indonesia -- and the team got that."
Seeking a more defensive approach, Cuadrat made a key change in goal -- starting Patrick Deyto in place of Quincy Kammeraad.
Philippines also shifted to a 4-1-4-1 formation, prioritizing defensive solidity against a Thailand side that had scored seven goals without conceding in its first two matches.
"We changed the system because we know the danger of Thailand," Cuadrat said.
"They have been scoring goals and not conceding goals. So we had a plan to create our chances in the first half by giving them possession and trying to exploit the space behind the fullbacks."
The tactical adjustment worked for much of the night.
Philippines frustrated the Thais for most of the match before Picha Autra delivered a cross that Waris headed home in the 84th minute for the game's lone goal.
"We have been working in training to avoid the spaces, and we allowed that space for the cross," Cuadrat said.
"But, at that moment, the team was very tired, and we couldn't keep the clean sheet. Unfortunately, I think the guys worked hard enough to earn at least one point, but it didn't happen."
Deyto turned in a strong performance with five saves, while Thailand goalkeeper Kampol Pathomakkakul was forced to make just one.
Philippines' only shot on target came in the ninth minute when Cole Mrowka tested Kampol from outside the box.
Thailand finished with 13 shots to Philippines' nine and held a commanding 67.7% share of possession, though the Filipinos remained organized defensively until the decisive breakthrough.
"Obviously, very disappointed," Deyto said after the match. "We defended very well. Just not to be."
"I'm disappointed because I feel like we deserved at least a point."
The loss leaves the Filipinos with little margin for error heading into Saturday's clash with Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur -- and their fate will not even be in their own hands.
A victory over Malaysia -- coupled with a Thailand win against Myanmar -- would create a three-way tie for second place in Group B, making head-to-head results and goal difference decisive in the race for the semifinals.
That scenario, however, remains an uphill climb, especially after Philippines' 4-1 defeat to Myanmar in the tournament opener left the Filipinos with a significant goal-difference deficit.