Thailand U23 showed resilience as they came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw against Lebanon U23 in their second AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers Group F clash at Thammasat Stadium, Pathum Thani.
Heading into the match, Thailand carried momentum from their emphatic 6-0 win over Mongolia, while Lebanon had shocked Malaysia with a 1-0 victory. Head coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul stuck with his core players, including captain Seksan Ratree, Sittha Bunla, Ikhlas Sanron, and striker Yotsakon Burapha.
Thailand started brightly and nearly took the lead in the 9th minute when Yossakorn Burapha broke into the box but saw his effort rebound off the post. Heavy rain then disrupted the rhythm of the game, and after 35 minutes, the referee suspended play for nearly an hour due to an unplayable pitch.
When play resumed, Lebanon struck first. Just three minutes into the second half, Hassan Farhat rose highest from a corner to head home the opener.
Thailand responded with attacking changes, and in the 73rd minute captain Seksan Ratree equalised with a sharp finish at the near post after a cross from Khakhanath Kamyok.
But Lebanon reclaimed the lead in the 84th minute, again through Hassan Farhat, who completed his brace with another powerful header from a free kick.
Thailand refused to give in and hit back four minutes later. A well-delivered free kick from Waris Chulthong found substitute Chanaphat Buaphan, who made no mistake with his header to level the score at 2-2.
The match ended all square, leaving both teams with a point apiece and everything to play for in the final round of fixtures.
Thailand will now face arch-rivals Malaysia U23 in their decisive final Group F match on September 9 at 7:30 PM at Thammasat Stadium,
Credit Photo : FA Thailand
