Thailand suffer one-minute collapse in 1-2 loss to Australia at U23 Asian Cup

The Southeast Asian side made a dream start in the eighth minute. From a left-wing corner, Australia failed to clear their lines and the ball fell kindly to Sittha Boonlha on the edge of the penalty area.

His low strike took a deflection off a defender and wrong-footed goalkeeper Steven Hall to give Thailand an early lead.

However, the match quickly turned against Thailand. Just one minute later, Phon-ek Maneekorn was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a dangerous challenge on Jordi Valadon, forcing Thailand to play with 10 men for nearly the entire match.

Australia (L) play Thailand in the U23 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, Jan. 8, 2026. Photo by Changsuek

Australia gradually increased the pressure and found their equalizer in the 29th minute. Yaya Dukuly burst into the box from the right and was fouled off the ball by Thailand captain Phichitchai Sienkrthok. After consulting VAR, referee Kim Yu-jeong overturned her initial decision and awarded a penalty, which Ethan Alagich converted calmly down the middle.

Barely a minute after restoring parity, Australia completed the turnaround. Sittha lost possession just outside his own penalty area, allowing Alagich to intercept and slide a pass to Mathias Macallister. The Australian captain skipped past a defender before curling a superb right-footed finish into the far corner to make it 2–1.

Despite being a man down, Thailand remained competitive. They struck the post in the 38th minute and missed a golden opportunity moments later when Chawanwit Saelao failed to convert from close range with the goal at his mercy.

Australia continued to dominate possession after the break, but Thailand defended resiliently and pressed aggressively in search of an equalizer. Goalkeeper Boonloet made several key saves to keep his side within touching distance, while Australia squandered a number of chances to put the match beyond doubt.

Thailand pushed forward in the closing stages but struggled to create clear openings. A late midfield error in stoppage time summed up their night as valuable seconds slipped away.

The final whistle confirmed a defeat for Thailand, a result shaped by early indiscipline and costly individual errors, leaving them facing an uphill task in Group D of the U23 Asian Cup 2026.

 

 

Thailand suffer one-minute collapse in 1-2 loss to Australia at U23 Asian Cup

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