Thailand U23 national team suffered a narrow 2-3 defeat to Hong Kong U23, in the Friendly Match at Thammasat Stadium, Pathum Thani.
The match kicked off at 4:00 PM local time with Takayuki Nishigaya, head coach of Thailand U23, naming Seksan Ratri as captain in midfield. Up front, Thailand deployed a dynamic trio: Erawan Garnier, Thanawut Phochai, and Yotsakorn Burapha.
Thailand had the first big chance in the 6th minute when Thawatchai Inprakhon sent a long ball to Yotsakorn, who broke into the penalty area but fired just wide of the post.
However, in the 19th minute, it was Hong Kong who drew first blood. Matthew Slattery broke through Thailand’s defense and delicately chipped the ball over goalkeeper Chomphat Boonlert to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Hong Kong doubled their advantage in the 30th minute after Lok Him Lee delivered a low cross to Anthony Pinto, who smashed in a right-footed strike to make it 2-0.
Just before the half-time whistle, in the 43rd minute, Hong Kong made it 3-0 with a powerful header from Sok Kuan Yeung at the far post following a well-delivered free kick.
Coach Nishigaya made five substitutions at the start of the second half, introducing Warit Chuthong, Thanakrit Laokhai, Songkhramsamut Namphueng, Phon-ek Manikon, and Theerkawin Chansri in an attempt to shift momentum.
Thailand began to claw their way back into the match. In the 51st minute, Songkhramsamut slipped a clever through ball to Thanakrit, who rounded the keeper but missed just over the bar.
The breakthrough finally came in the 59th minute. From a free kick, Warit curled the ball into the box, and Theerkawin Chansri fired in a left-footed strike to make it 1-3.
Thailand continued their surge just a minute later. Yotsakorn Burapha drove to the byline and squared the ball to Phon-ek Manikon, who coolly slotted it in with his left foot to bring the score to 2-3.
In the 75th minute, Thailand made a sixth change, with Phuwanet Thongkhui replacing Yotsakorn, followed by Pongsakorn Sangkhassopha coming on for Chayaphon Adthon in the 84th minute.
Despite late efforts and improved intensity, the Young War Elephants couldn’t find the equalizer, and the match ended in a 2-3 loss.
Thailand U23 will look to bounce back in their second international friendly when they take on UAE U23 on June 10, 2025, again at Thammasat Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 6:00 PM.
Thailand U23 National Team stay along with Malaysia U23 National Team in the group F of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers.
Credit Photo : FA Thailand
