2025 SEA Games football: Thailand defeated Malaysia to reach the gold medal final for the first time in 8 years, aiming for their 17th championship title.
On 15 December 2025, at Rajamangala Stadium, the 2025 SEA Games men's football tournament saw Thailand, the record 16-time champions and group A winners, face Malaysia, six-time champions who qualified as the best second-place team from group B.
In the first half, at the 8th minute, Thailand took an early 1-0 lead when Yotsakorn Burapha curled a free kick over the wall and into the top corner, beautifully scoring his sixth goal of the 2025 SEA Games, extending his position as the tournament's top scorer.
At the 16th minute, Malaysia was down to 10 players when Nabil Yusof, who already had a yellow card, pulled the shirt of Iklas Sanharon as he tried to break away near the sideline. The referee issued a second yellow card, resulting in a straight red and immediate dismissal.
In the second half, at the 67th minute, Thailand nearly doubled their lead when Yotsakorn Burapha skillfully dribbled past Malaysia's defenders and shot with his left foot, but the ball narrowly missed the far post.
For the remaining time, Malaysia, playing with 10 men, had several close chances to equalize, but Thailand managed to hold on to their lead.
At full time, Thailand won 1-0 over Malaysia, advancing to the final as planned, aiming for their 17th SEA Games gold medal and seeking to reclaim the championship after last winning it in 2017 in Malaysia.
1 Sarawat Phosamun (Goalkeeper), 2 Chanon Thamma, 4 Chanaphat Buapan, 5 Seksan Ratri (Captain), 6 Sitta Bunla, 9 Yotsakorn Burapha, 10 Thanakrit Chotmuangpak, 11 Siraphop Wandi, 16 Phichitchai Siakratok, 18 Iklas Sanharon, 21 Phon Ek Maneekorn