The Thai national football team celebrated a solid victory against Afghanistan on March 21, 2025, with a final score of 2-0 in a FIFA Day match held at the Rajamangala National Stadium.
Ranked 97th globally, the "War Elephants" of Thailand faced the 156th-ranking Afghanistan team, which had a notable 14 players competing abroad. Interestingly, this was only the second encounter between the two teams, with their first meeting resulting in a 2-0 win for Thailand in 2015.
Coach Masatada Ishii orchestrated the team’s lineup, placing Saranon Anuin as goalkeeper, bolstered by a defense featuring Niphat Leeak, Jonathan Khemdee, and Irfan Dolah. In the midfield, Tanawat Suengchitthawon, Peeradon Chamrasamee, and Worachit Kanitsribampen operated in tandem to fuel the attack, which was led by Patrick Gustafsson and Supachok Sarachart.
The match commenced energetically, and it was in the sixth minute that Thailand broke the deadlock. A cross from Worachit found Patrick Gustafsson, who made no mistake in putting the ball into the net, giving Thailand a 1-0 advantage.
Afghanistan responded swiftly, nearly equalizing in the eighth minute. Omid Musawi managed to penetrate Thailand’s defense and unleashed a shot aimed at the near post, but Saranon was on high alert, successfully deflecting the ball away from danger. Then, in the 41st minute, Musawi took a free kick which flew just over the crossbar.
Although the first half ended with Thailand leading 1-0, Afghanistan had shown flashes of adept play and kept up their pressure.
As the second half unfolded, Afghanistan initially dominated possession, but it was Thailand that struck again, doubling their lead in the 52nd minute. Nicholas Mickelson’s move, which began with a successful interception, ended with him executing a neat back pass to Patrick Gustafsson, who fired another brilliant shot, bringing the score to 2-0.
In the 76th minute, Suphannat Mueanta thought he had added to the tally, but his goal was disallowed for offside. Shortly thereafter, the Thai team was back on the attack with a corner kick delivered by Peerathep Pomphan, which led to Chaanarong Promsrikaew’s header, only to be thwarted by Afghanistan’s goalkeeper.
Despite a late flurry of chances, the score remained unchanged, sealing Thailand’s victory over Afghanistan at 2-0. The triumph sets an optimistic tone for their upcoming match against Sri Lanka in the Asian Cup qualifiers, scheduled for March 25, 2025, also at Rajamangala National Stadium, kicking off at 19:30.
In summary, the Thai national team exhibited solid teamwork and skill, keeping their winning momentum alive as they prepare for future challenges on the international stage.
