The Thailand U20 women’s national team produced an impressive attacking display to defeat the Vietnam U20 women’s national team 4-1 in their second Group A match of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 at Thammasat Stadium, Pathum Thani.
Coming into the match, Thailand had edged Bangladesh 3-2 in their opener while Vietnam suffered a 0-3 defeat to China PR, and the hosts wasted little time asserting control.
Thailand nearly broke the deadlock just four minutes into the game when Parichat Thongrong threaded a precise through pass to Kulisara Limpawanich, whose left-footed strike was denied by Vietnam goalkeeper Le Thi Thu.
The hosts continued to pile on the pressure and came close again in the 10th minute, when Preechakorn Kruachuenchom unleashed a long-range effort that Le Thi Thu pushed away.
Thailand finally took the lead in the 11th minute. From a corner delivered by Pitchayathida Manowang, Kulisara reacted quickly inside the box to fire home and give the hosts a 1-0 advantage.
Thailand doubled their lead in the 21st minute through Rinyaphat Muldong, who headed in from close range after a clever piece of skill and cross by Madison Jet Kasteen.
The hosts maintained their attacking momentum, and in the 41st minute, Kulisara produced a moment of brilliance. The forward dribbled past the Vietnamese defence before smashing a right-footed strike into the net for her second goal of the match, sending Thailand into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Vietnam managed to pull one back in the 51st minute when Tha Thi Hong Minh unleashed a long-range shot that slipped through the grasp of Thai goalkeeper Atima Bunprakanpai, reducing the deficit to 3-1.
Thailand made several substitutions in the second half as head coach Nuengruethai Sathongvien introduced fresh legs, including Achiraya Yingsakul, Patcharaphorn Kuachuea, and Kaden Chaowphan.
The hosts nearly extended their lead late in the match when Patcharaphorn fired over the crossbar after a defensive mix-up by Vietnam.
Thailand eventually sealed the victory deep into stoppage time when Rinyaphat Muldong struck a superb free-kick in the 93rd minute, ensuring a convincing 4-1 win for the Young War Elephants.
The result lifts Thailand to six points from two matches, guaranteeing their progress to the knockout stage alongside China PR from Group A.
Thailand will now face China PR in their final group match on 7 April at Thammasat Stadium.
Credit Photo : HongZheng Lim/SNE-Photo
