Thai U23 Beats Singapore, Finishes Third in VTV Cup
Thailand's U23 national team defeated Singapore 3-1 in their final match of the U23 GIA LAI – VTV CUP 2026 tournament in Vietnam, securing third place in the four-team competition. After losing to hosts Vietnam and Qatar in their opening fixtures, the young Thais rallied with goals from Chayaphol Poolphool, Pongsakorn Sangkhasopha, and Pariwat Wongsa to claim a consolation victory. The squad returned to Bangkok on November 15 for a post-tournament review with the Football Association.
The four-team warm-up tournament, the special U23 GIA LAI – VTV CUP 2026, took place in Pleiku city, Vietnam. On November 14, the Thailand U23 national team under the leadership of "Coach Wang" Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul took the field for their final match against Singapore. Having lost their first two matches to Vietnam and Qatar, Coach Wang again started team captain Jehanaf Mamah, supported by Suphanan Sanhron, Pariwat Wongsa, and Warakorn Noisi.
In the 16th minute, Thailand had a chance to take the lead when Suphanan Sanhron passed to substitute Ekaphon Chaonudwang, whose right-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area struck the post after goalkeeper Mohammed Yaseed parried it away.
Then in the 33rd minute, Thailand took a 1-0 lead from a goalmouth scramble. The ball fell to Chayaphol Poolphool, who fired a left-footed shot into the roof of the net from inside the penalty area.
In the 41st minute, Singapore equalized 1-1 when Marcus Moses set up Amir Chafiz bin Abdul Rashid to slot home a right-footed finish inside the box. The first half ended at 1-1.
In the 54th minute of the second half, Thailand nearly regained the lead when Pariwat Wongsa drove forward and unleashed a left-footed effort that narrowly missed the target.
In the 57th minute, Thailand made their first substitution, bringing on Pongsakorn Sangkhasopha for Suphanan Sanhron.
Then in the 64th minute, Thailand went ahead again 2-1 as Siradanai Phosri played a long ball through for Pongsakorn Sangkhasopha, who broke into the penalty area and fired a left-footed shot into the net.
In the 79th minute, Thailand extended their lead to 3-1 when Pariwat Wongsa dribbled past a Singapore defender before drilling a right-footed shot into the goal from the edge of the penalty area.
No further goals were scored, and Thailand U23 defeated Singapore U23 3-1 to finish third in the U23 GIA LAI – VTV CUP 2026 warm-up tournament.
Following the match, the Thailand U23 team departed immediately, scheduled to arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport on November 15, 2026 at 18:55. The coaching staff will hold a meeting to review the tournament performance with the Football Association and plan the next training camp.
