THAILAND were the first team to check into the semi-finals when they beat Philippines 8-4 in the inaugural Raja Muda Johor Cup beach soccer invitation in Desaru, Johor, yesterday.
Thailand, also with three wins, play their final group match against Laos today to decide the group winners.
Thailand scored through Prata Mansiri barely a minute into the match but Ricardo Batayola Becite equalised for a 1-1 score at the break.
Roel Jimena Gener then put the Philippines ahead but their joy was shortlived as Pitipong Kuldillok equalised.
Pitipong went on to score three more goals while 24-year-old Thai captain Saneh Lungkaew, Sarif Sainui and Pongsak Khongkeaw, all contributed one goal each.
Philippines' other goals came through Ronel Jemena Gener and Meliton Calivarra Pelayo.
RESULTS -- Group A: Myanmar 6 Brunei 2, Thailand 8 Philippines 4; Group B: Vietnam 10 Timor Leste 0, Laos 3 Myanmar 1.
TODAY -- Vietnam v Malaysia (10am), Philippines v Brunei (2pm), Thailand v Laos (3.15pm), Malaysia v Indonesia (4.30pm).
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