In a disappointing turn of events for the Thailand U-17 national football team, they faced a tough defeat against the hosts, Saudi Arabia, in their second match of the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup. The match, held on April 6, 2025, at the King Fahad Sports City Stadium, ended with a score of 3-1, effectively knocking Thailand out of the tournament after losing their first two games.
The young Thai squad entered the match needing a win to keep their hopes alive after a heavy 1-4 loss to Uzbekistan in their opening game. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, was riding high with a 2-1 victory over China in their previous match, and a win would secure their place in the knockout stages.
Thailand started brightly, taking the lead in the 17th minute. Nattachai Srisuwan made a brilliant run down the left flank and set up Siwakorn Plaisrasrik, who fired home to give Thailand a 1-0 advantage. The early goal sent a wave of excitement through the Thai camp as they looked to build on their lead.
However, the joy was short-lived. Just 12 minutes later, in the 29th minute, Saudi Arabia equalized through Sabri Dahal, who cut in from the left and unleashed a powerful shot that found the back of the net, leaving Thai goalkeeper Poomipat Siriburana with no chance. The teams went into halftime tied at 1-1, with both sides having opportunities to take control of the match.
As the second half unfolded, Saudi Arabia began to assert their dominance. In the 63rd minute, they almost took the lead when a shot from Thari Said hit the post, a close call for the Thai defense. Thailand's best chance to regain the lead came in the 72nd minute when Nattachai Srisuwan found himself in space but saw his effort crash off the crossbar.
Just three minutes later, the tide turned decisively in favor of Saudi Arabia. Abdulrahman Sufyani scored to put the hosts ahead 2-1, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Thailand. The goal came from a well-placed shot that slipped past Siriburana, sending the Saudi fans into a frenzy.
Saudi Arabia wasn't finished yet. In the 78th minute, Mukhtar Barwani added a third goal, sealing the match with a clinical finish that left Thailand reeling. With this goal, Saudi Arabia established a comfortable 3-1 lead, and the Thai team struggled to respond in the remaining minutes.
Despite some late attempts to push forward, Thailand could not find a way back into the game, and the final whistle confirmed their exit from the tournament. This defeat marked the second consecutive loss for the Thai squad, who now face an uphill battle in their final group stage match against China on April 9, 2025.
With no points from their first two matches, Thailand's hopes of advancing were dashed, and they will now look to regroup and finish their campaign on a high note against a Chinese team that is also searching for their first points after a loss to Uzbekistan.
The upcoming match against China will be crucial for both teams, as they aim to avoid the bottom of Group A. Fans can catch the action live on T Sports 7 and through various online platforms, including Facebook and YouTube under the channel Changsuek.
Thailand's coach will likely be reflecting on the lessons learned from this tournament, particularly the need for greater resilience and tactical discipline. The young players have shown glimpses of potential, but consistency will be key as they move forward. As the tournament progresses, the Thai U-17 team will undoubtedly be eager to bounce back and showcase their talents on the continental stage.
In conclusion, while the Thailand U-17 team faced a tough outing against Saudi Arabia, they still have one last opportunity to make an impact in the tournament. The match against China is not just about pride; it's a chance to build for the future and learn from the experiences gained in this prestigious competition.
