Thailand Reduced to 10 Players Before Losing to Tajikistan in Opening U-17 Asian Championship Match
Thailand's U-17 team lost 2-0 to Tajikistan in their opening match at the AFC Asian Championship in Saudi Arabia on May 5, playing the final half with 10 men after a red card in the 59th minute.
Thailand's opening match at the 2026 U-17 AFC Asian Championship in Saudi Arabia on May 5 didn't go as planned, with the team losing to Tajikistan while reduced to 10 players. In Group A, Thailand took the field against Tajikistan but conceded within 30 seconds when Petchayuth Sobunyuma attempting to block a cross from the left wing accidentally deflected the ball into his own goal, giving Tajikistan a 1-0 lead. This remained the only goal of the first half. In the 57th minute, Thailand came close to equalizing when Thanpisisd Pierkasikarm broke free on the left and sent a cross to the far post, but Pramesj Laongdee's header attempt struck the crossbar. In the 59th minute, Petchayuth Sobunyuma brought down an opposing player during a Tajikistan counterattack, receiving a second yellow card and subsequent red card, leaving Thailand with 10 men. Tajikistan sealed the victory in the 90+7th minute when Mustafa Hasanbegov broke down the left side of the penalty area and passed to Parviz Sangkinov, who finished easily for a 2-0 win. Thailand will face hosts Saudi Arabia next on May 9. In other Group A results, Saudi Arabia defeated Myanmar 4-0. Current standings: 1. Saudi Arabia (3 points), 2. Tajikistan (3 points), 3. Thailand (0 points), 4. Myanmar (0 points).
