Thailand’s U23 side endured a frustrating start to their AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 campaign after falling 2-1 to Australia in their Group D opener at Al Shabab Stadium, Riyadh.
Thailand made the perfect start in the 7th minute when a corner kick delivered by Chawalit caused chaos in the Australian box. The clearance fell kindly to Sittha, whose right-footed effort took a deflection off an Australian defender and found the net to give Thailand a 1-0 lead.
However, the turning point arrived just four minutes later. Thailand were reduced to 10 men when Phon-ek Manikorn was shown a straight red card following a heavy challenge on Jordy Valladon, with the referee confirming the decision after a VAR review.
Australia capitalised on their numerical advantage in the 28th minute after Phichitchai Siargrathok conceded a penalty. Ethan Alagich stepped up and converted confidently to level the score at 1-1.
Just two minutes later, Australia completed the turnaround. Alagich turned provider, slipping the ball through to Mathias McAllister, who cut inside before curling a superb right-footed finish into the far corner to make it 2-1.
Thailand made their first change in the 35th minute, introducing Oussama Tiengkham for Peeranun Buakhai, and nearly found an equaliser before the break. Thanawut picked out Chawalit, whose acrobatic effort narrowly missed the target, leaving Thailand trailing 2-1 at half-time.
In the second half, Thailand showed resilience and intent, enjoying more possession and pushing forward in search of an equaliser despite being a man down. Double substitutions followed in the 57th minute, with Teerapat Pruethong and Yotsakon Natsathit coming on.
The Young War Elephants came close again in the 72nd minute when Vision In-arom delivered a long cross for Oussama, but the substitute’s header was safely gathered by Australian goalkeeper Steven Hall. Another promising chance arrived in the 83rd minute when Iklas unleashed a long-range free-kick that flashed just wide.
Thailand made their fourth substitution in the 86th minute, bringing on Pariphat Wongsa, but despite late pressure, no further goals were forthcoming.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 defeat for Thailand U23, leaving them with work to do in their remaining Group D fixtures as they aim to revive their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.
Credit Photo : AFC
