An energetic stray dog joined a basketball match in the Philippines.

The black furry scene-stealer was watching the game with locals when it emerged and began running across the court in Cagayan de Oro province on January 14.

Apparently, the creature became excitable when the ball was thrown in its direction and felt the urge to catch it and chase it.

Footage shows the pooch outrunning the players for the ball. Spectators cheered for the creature as he was given a few minutes to play with the object.

Spectator Cheyenne Daaron Arafol said: ‘He thought he was part of the game. The coaches called for a time out so the dog could play for a bit before he was taken by officials.'

The pet pooch was reportedly taken to the village hall to be fed.

Basketball is the most popular sport in the Philippines due to the influence of Americans during the colonial period in the Southeast Asian country from 1898 to 1946.