U23 Asian Championship result: Thailand's national team lost to Australia despite leading 1-0.
On 8 Jan 2026, the AFC U-23 Asian Cup group stage match in Group D took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Thailand U23 team, led by coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul, faced Australia U23 at 18:30 Thailand time.
In this match, coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul positioned Sittha Boonla to control midfield, supporting forwards Chawawit Saelao, Iklas Sanhron, and Thanawut Phochai as the striker.
In the 7th minute, Thailand scored first at 1-0 from a corner kick. Chawawit Saelao crossed into the penalty area, and after a poor clearance by an Australian defender, Sittha Boonla struck a right-footed shot deflected off an Australian player into the net.
At the 11th minute, Thailand was reduced to 10 men when General Maneekorn committed a heavy foul on Australian player Jordi Valladon. After a VAR review, the referee issued a red card, sending Maneekorn off.
In the 28th minute, Australia equalized 1-1 from a penalty awarded after Pichitchai Siakrat committed a foul on an Australian player at the penalty area line. Ethan Alagich successfully converted the spot kick.
Two minutes later, in the 30th minute, Australia took the lead 2-1. Ethan Alagich passed to Mathias McAllister, who feinted once and curled a right-footed shot into the far post.
At the 35th minute, Thailand made their first substitution, bringing on Usamma Tiangkam to replace Peeranut Buakai.
By the 40th minute, Thailand had a chance to equalize when Thanawut Phochai passed to Chawawit Saelao, who attempted a diving shot that went just wide. The first half ended with Thailand trailing Australia 1-2.
In the second half, Thailand controlled possession and pressed forward to find scoring opportunities but failed to convert. At the 57th minute, Thailand made a double substitution, bringing on Theerapat Prueathong and Yotsakorn Natsit for Pichitchai Siakrat and Chawawit Saelao.
At the 72nd minute, Thailand had another chance to equalize. Vision Inaram delivered a long ball from the right flank to substitute Usamma Tiangkam, who headed the ball but it was caught by Australian goalkeeper Steven Hall.
In the 83rd minute, Thailand threatened again with a free kick from the left side. Iklas Sanhron took a long-range left-footed shot, narrowly missing the target.
At the 86th minute, Thailand made their fourth substitution, bringing on Priphan Wongsa to replace Iklas Sanhron.
No further goals were scored, and the match ended with Thailand U23 losing to Australia U23 1-2 in their opening AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 group stage game.
Thailand U23's next match will be against Iraq U23 in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 group stage Group D second match at Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium, Saudi Arabia, on 11 January 2026 at 21:00 Thailand time. The match will be broadcast live on YouTube: BG SPORTS.
Starting Lineup
Sapon Noiwong, Nathan James, Sittha Boonla, Thanawut Phochai, Chawawit Saelao, Vision Inaram, Pichitchai Siakrat (Captain), Iklas Sanhron, Peeranut Buakai, General Maneekorn, Chomphat Boonlert (Goalkeeper)