Thailand national futsal team secured their place in the final of the ASEAN Futsal Championship 2026 after defeating Australia national futsal team 4–3 in a thrilling semi-final clash at the Nonthaburi PAO Gymnasium, Nonthaburi.
Ranked 11th in the world, Thailand overcame a determined Australian side, ranked 51st, to set up a blockbuster showdown with Indonesia national futsal team.
Thailand entered the semi-final in strong form after topping Group A with a perfect record, while Australia advanced as Group B runners-up following victories over Brunei and Malaysia before falling to Indonesia.
Head coach Rakphol Sainetngam retained the same starting lineup from the previous match, featuring Theerawat Kaewwilai in goalkeeper, captain Itticha Prapaphan, Panus Kittipanuwong, Muhammad Osamanmusa, and Apiwat Chaemcharoen.
Thailand struck first in the ninth minute. A kick-in from Muhammad Osamanmusa was laid back to Itticha Praphanphong, who unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from outside the box to give the hosts a 1–0 lead.
Australia responded immediately just a minute later when Tyler Garner set up Jacob Hargreaves, who finished from close range to level the score at 1–1.
Both teams continued to attack, but neither side managed to add another goal before the break.
Thailand regained the lead in the 31st minute through a moment of brilliance from Muhammad Osamanmusa, who produced a clever back-heel-style finish to beat the Australian goalkeeper and make it 2–1.
Moments later, the hosts extended their advantage to 3–1 when Therdsak Charoenphong delivered a corner to Minthada Piromyu, who fired home from outside the area.
Australia refused to surrender and quickly reduced the deficit. Jacob Hargreaves converted a penalty in the 32nd minute to make it 3–2, marking his second goal of the match.
Thailand restored their two-goal cushion in the 35th minute when Narongsak Wingwon rolled a kick-in to Sarawut Phalaphruek, who struck firmly into the net for 4–2.
Australia mounted a late comeback using a power-play tactic, and Ethan De Melo scored from close range in the 38th minute to bring the score to 4–3.
However, Thailand held firm in the closing moments to secure the victory and advance to the championship match.
Thailand will now face Indonesia in the final after the Indonesians defeated Vietnam national futsal team 3–2 in the other semi-final.
The highly anticipated final between Thailand vs Indonesia will take place at the Nonthaburi Gymnasium on 12 April 2026.
Credit Photo : HongZheng Lim
