Thailand national futsal team kicked off their campaign in the ASEAN Futsal Championship 2026 with a commanding 4-1 victory over Timor-Leste national futsal team in their Group A opener at Nonthaburi PAO Gymnasium, Nonthaburi.
Head coach Rakphol Sainetngam named Theerawat Kaewwilai in goal, with Krit Arunyasanyalak, captain Itticha Praphan, Panat Kittipanuwong, and Sarawut Phalaphruek completing the starting five.
Thailand immediately pushed forward, creating several early chances before finally breaking the deadlock in the 6th minute. A long pass from Apiwat Chaemcharoen found Muhammad Osamanmusa, who produced a clever first touch before flicking the ball into the net to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Moments later, Thailand had a golden chance to double the lead when Timor-Leste conceded a penalty for handball by Joao Casinio, but Osamanmusa’s spot-kick was saved by goalkeeper Domingos Gama.
The hosts continued to press and were rewarded in the 12th minute, when Osamanmusa reacted quickest to a rebound after Panat’s shot was parried by Gama, tapping home to make it 2-0.
Thailand extended their advantage further in the 17th minute, with Charoendet Muentiang finishing from close range after linking up with Apiwat Chaemcharoen to give the home side a 3-0 lead at halftime.
Timor-Leste tried to fight back after the break and pulled one goal back in the 33rd minute when Bendito Ramos dribbled past goalkeeper Theerawat before calmly slotting the ball into the net.
However, Thailand quickly restored their three-goal cushion in the 36th minute. A powerful effort from Narongsak Wingwon found its way into the net after Panat cleverly stepped aside to allow the shot to pass through.
Despite several late chances, including a long-range strike from Thappanath Lhemniam that forced another fine save from Domingos Gama, no further goals were added.
The 4-1 victory gives Thailand their first three points of the tournament, placing them second in Group A, after Vietnam national futsal team defeated Myanmar national futsal team 4-0 in the other group match.
Thailand will return to action for their second Group A match against Myanmar, again at the Nonthaburi venue.
Credit Photo : HongZheng Lim/SNE-Photo
