Thailand completed a perfect group-stage campaign in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026, defeating Myanmar 2-0 at Rajamangala National Stadium, Bangkok on August 8 to finish top of Group B with a maximum 12 points from four matches.
Anthony Hudson’s side entered the match knowing that victory would secure first place, while Myanmar arrived with six points from their opening two matches and still had hopes of challenging for the group leadership.
Thailand made several changes to their attacking line-up, with young forwards Chawalwit Saelao and Jehanafee Mama given opportunities to make an impact alongside an experienced midfield led by captain Sarach Yooyen, Worachit Kanitsribampen, Picha Autra and Chaipol Ot-ton.
Myanmar started brightly and created the first opportunity after just six minutes when So Mo Kyaw met a corner at the near post, but his effort went wide.
Thailand responded quickly and were awarded a penalty in the 11th minute after Win Naing Tun handled Narubadin Weerawatnodom’s cross inside the box.
Worachit Kanitsribampen stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to give Thailand a 1-0 lead.
Thailand nearly doubled their advantage two minutes later when Sarach delivered a corner towards Pansa Hemviboon, but the defender’s header went straight into the hands of Myanmar goalkeeper Sin Yi Yi Aung.
Myanmar continued to search for an equaliser, with Jaw Min Oo testing Thailand goalkeeper Kampol Pathomakkakul from distance in the 19th minute. Kampol, however, gathered the effort safely.
Thailand remained dangerous from set pieces, with Sarach again providing the delivery in the 28th minute before Usamma Thiengkham headed narrowly wide.
Myanmar came agonisingly close to levelling the contest in first-half stoppage time. Win Naing Tun found space inside the box and unleashed a powerful left-footed effort that struck the crossbar before bouncing away.
Thailand nevertheless entered the interval with their slender 1-0 advantage intact.
Thailand came out strongly after the restart and were awarded another penalty in the 52nd minute.
This time, So Mo Kyaw was penalised for handling Worachit’s shot, giving Thailand another opportunity from the spot.
Young forward Jehanavi Mama took responsibility and made no mistake, sending the ball into the net to extend Thailand’s lead to 2-0.
Myanmar attempted to respond immediately and came close again in the 65th minute when Win Naing Tun unleashed a long-range effort that crashed against the crossbar.
Thailand goalkeeper Kampol was then called into action in the 72nd minute, producing an excellent save to deny Shine Wunna Aung from distance.
Hudson continued to rotate his squad, bringing on Nattapong Sairaya for Pansa before introducing Thodsawat Limwanasthian and Warit Chothong in the 73rd minute.
Thailand made two further substitutions late in the contest, with Adisorn Promrak and Wanchai Jarunongkran entering for Jehanavi and Chawiwat.
Myanmar pushed for a consolation goal, but Thailand’s defence held firm until the final whistle.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory for Thailand, completing a flawless group-stage campaign.
Thailand finished Group B as champions with 12 points from four matches, while Malaysia secured second place and the other semi-final qualification spot.
For Hudson and his new-look Thailand side, the campaign has provided another major boost. The War Elephants have combined attacking efficiency with defensive discipline throughout the group stage and now move into the knockout rounds with considerable momentum.
Thailand’s next challenge will be against Singapore, ranked 148th in the world, in the first leg of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 semi-final.
Credit Photo : FA Thailand
