Not as it seems: Revealing the background behind "Usama" receiving a red card and the reaction of the Thailand U23 national team after drawing with China.
On 26 March 2026, the Chang Suek Facebook page - Thailand National Football Team revealed the backstory of the red card shown to Usama Tiangkam, the left-back of Moroccan descent from PT Prachuap FC, during the first match of Thailand U23 in the CFA Team China International Youth Tournament held in Xi'an, People's Republic of China.
In this match, Thailand U23 drew 2-2 away against China U23. In injury time before the end, as Thailand was preparing to take a free kick, a clash occurred with Chinese players inside the penalty area. Both Usama Tiangkam and Xian Zhu-Jian received red cards and were sent off.
Recently, the Chang Suek page shared about the spirit within the Thailand U23 team: "What everyone saw on the live broadcast was a moment of intense emotion, but do you know how Usama was after entering the dressing room?"
"He sat alone quietly, his eyes filled with remorse. It was only a brief moment on the field where he lost control of his emotions, but it made his teammates work harder. This is the feeling of guilt in the heart of this Moroccan-heritage player."
"Usama explained the incident, saying, 'A Chinese player pushed me hard first, then kept verbally provoking me, so I pushed back.'"
"Humans have emotions, and at 22 years old, mistakes can happen under pressure. After the game, Usama apologized to all his teammates and also to coach Wang Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul."
"The first words coach Wang said to him were 'It's okay.' None of his teammates blamed him; instead, everyone embraced him and offered support."
#Matchday2
Saturday, 28 March 2026
Thailand U23 vs. Vietnam U23
14:00 Thailand time
Fengtong Football Park East Stadium
#Matchday3
Tuesday, 31 March 2026
North Korea U23 vs. Thailand U23
14:00 Thailand time
Fengtong Football Park East Stadium
All Thailand U23 matches will be broadcast live on
Thairath TV Channel 32
Thairath websitewww.thairath.co.th/tv/live
Facebook: Thairath TVwww.facebook.com/ThairathTV
and Thairath Sportwww.facebook.com/ThairathSport
YouTube: Thairath Sport
