U23 Asian Championship result: Thailand's national team lost to Australia despite taking an early 1-0 lead.
On 8 Jan 2026, the AFC U-23 Asian Cup group stage match took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In Group D's first match, Thailand U23, led by coach "Coach Wang" Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul, faced Australia U23 at 18:30 Thai time.
In this match, head coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul positioned Sittha Boonla to control the midfield, supporting attackers Chawalwit Saelao, Iklas Sanron, and striker Thanawut Phochai.
At the 7th minute, Thailand scored first from a corner kick. Chawalwit Saelao delivered the ball into the box, which was poorly cleared by an Australian defender, allowing Sittha Boonla to shoot with his right foot. The shot deflected off an Australian player and went in.
At the 11th minute, Thailand was reduced to 10 men after General Maneekorn committed a heavy foul on Australia's Jordi Valladon. The referee reviewed the incident via VAR and issued a red card, sending Maneekorn off.
By the 28th minute, Australia equalized 1-1 with a penalty awarded after Pichitchai Siarkrat committed a foul on an Australian player at the penalty area line. Ethan Alagich successfully converted the spot kick.
Two minutes later, at the 30th minute, Australia took the lead 2-1. Ethan Alagich passed to Mathias McAllister, who feinted once and struck a curling right-footed shot that hit the far post and went in.
At the 35th minute, Thailand made their first substitution, bringing on Usaamma Tiangkam to replace Peeranut Buakrai.
At the 40th minute, Thailand had a chance to equalize when Thanawut Phochai passed to Chawalwit Saelao, who attempted a volley that narrowly missed the goal. The first half ended with Thailand U23 trailing Australia U23 1-2.
In the second half, Thailand dominated possession and pushed forward seeking scoring opportunities but failed to convert. At the 57th minute, Thailand made a double substitution, introducing Theeraphat Prueathong and Yotsakorn Natsit for Pichitchai Siarkrat and Chawalwit Saelao.
At the 72nd minute, Thailand had a chance to equalize as Vision Inaram sent a long ball from the right wing to substitute Usaamma Tiangkam, who headed the ball but was saved by Australia's goalkeeper Steven Hall.
At the 83rd minute, Thailand threatened again with a free kick from the left side. Iklas Sanron took a powerful left-footed shot that just missed the target.
At the 86th minute, Thailand made their fourth substitution, bringing on Prippan Wongsa to replace Iklas Sanron.
No further goals were scored in the remaining time. The match ended with Thailand U23 losing to Australia U23 1-2 in their opening group stage match of the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup.
Thailand U23's next match will be against Iraq U23 in Group D's second group stage match at Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium, Saudi Arabia, on 11 January 2026 at 21:00 Thai time. The match will be broadcast live on YouTube: BG SPORTS.
Starting lineup
Saphon Noiwong, Nathan James, Sittha Boonla, Thanawut Phochai, Chawalwit Saelao, Vision Inaram, Pichitchai Siarkrat (C), Iklas Sanron, Peeranut Buakrai, General Maneekorn, Chomphat Boonlert (GK)
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