Today's result: Thailand U23 fought back to draw 1-1 with Iraq, still keeping their chances to advance in the Asian Championship.
On 11 January 2026, in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 group stage matchday 2 of Group D, Thailand U23 faced Iraq U23 at Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium in Saudi Arabia.
In the first half, the 27th minute saw Iraq take the lead 1-0 from a penalty after Nathan James fouled Ayman Luay Akanis inside the box. Amouri Faisal converted the penalty, shooting past goalkeeper Chomphat Boonlert into the net.
At the 37th minute, Thailand U23 nearly equalized when Iklas Sanron chested the ball to Thanawut Phochai, who curled a shot from outside the box aiming for the far post, but Laith Sajid dived to save it.
Early in the second half at the 48th minute, Thailand U23 earned a left corner kick. Chavalwit Saelao crossed to the near post for Paripan Wongsa, who headed alone but misdirected the ball just wide of the post, missing a great chance.
In the 85th minute, Thailand U23 finally equalized 1-1 from a long ball forward; Usamma Tiangkam headed into the box for Chinning Phutonyong, who sprinted past Iraq’s defense and tapped the ball home in the final moment.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw. Thailand U23 secured their first point and remain in contention to advance ahead of their last group match against China U23 on 14 January.
2 Saphon Noiwong, 4 Usamma Tiangkam, 5 Nathan James, 6 Sitta Bunla, 7 Thanawut Phochai, 8 Chavalwit Saelao, 9 Theeraphat Pruethong, 13 Vision Inaram, 16 Pichitchai Siakratok (captain), 18 Iklas Sanron, 23 Chomphat Boonlert (goalkeeper)