The excitement is palpable as the Thailand U17 national football team prepares for their opening match in the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, facing Uzbekistan on April 3, 2025, at 10:00 PM Thailand time. This tournament, hosted in Saudi Arabia, is crucial not only for regional bragging rights but also as a stepping stone to the U17 World Cup scheduled for November 2025 in Qatar.
In a preparatory meeting held on April 2, 2025, at the OKAZ Stadium, representatives from the four teams in Group A—Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and China—gathered to discuss competition regulations and team readiness. During the meeting, it was confirmed that the Thai team will wear blue jerseys with yellow for their goalkeeper in the match against Uzbekistan, red with yellow for their match against Saudi Arabia, and blue with white for the game against China. The meeting also addressed substitution rules, allowing for five total substitutions across three opportunities, excluding halftime. Additionally, the use of VAR technology will commence in the knockout stages, not during the group phase.
As the team gears up, manager Anuruth Nakasai expressed confidence in his squad's preparation, stating, "This time, the team has been together for a long time, having spent ten days training in Qatar and playing three warm-up matches. We've worked hard to correct our mistakes and improve continuously." He emphasized the need for support from Thai fans, acknowledging the challenges his players face after being away from home for three weeks.
Head coach Jet Meelap also shared insights into their strategy, noting the importance of understanding Uzbekistan's playing style, which has been honed through months of preparation. "We must be careful not to concede goals, as Uzbekistan is a strong team capable of changing the game's dynamics quickly," he remarked. The team is focused on securing points in their first match, with Meelap indicating that even a draw would be a positive outcome.
The Thai U17 squad features promising talents like Silva Mengerse, a 15-year-old forward from Manchester United's academy, who has been highlighted by the AFC as a player to watch. Alongside him are key players Prames La-ong-dee, Chaiwat Wanginma, and Khanaphat Inthasingh, all of whom are expected to play pivotal roles in the tournament.
As the tournament approaches, public interest in the Thai U17 team's chances of qualifying for the World Cup is high. A recent KBU Sport Poll revealed that 75.61% of respondents expressed interest in the competition, with 24.38% believing the team has a good chance of qualifying for the World Cup. Factors influencing this optimism include the players' potential, the capabilities of the coaching staff, and the team's preparation duration.
Thailand's group is considered highly competitive, with Uzbekistan being a formidable opponent, having previously won the tournament in 2012 and consistently performing well in regional competitions. The Thai team's last appearance in the U17 World Cup was 36 years ago, making this tournament a significant opportunity for the young players to make history.
As the match day approaches, the Thai team remains focused on their goal. The players are aware of the stakes, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage and securing a spot in the World Cup. The excitement builds as fans eagerly await the kickoff, hoping to see their team rise to the occasion and make their mark on the international stage.
In summary, the Thailand U17 national football team is set to embark on a challenging journey in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2025. With a mix of young talent and experienced coaching, they are ready to face the competition head-on. The opening match against Uzbekistan will be crucial, and the team's performance could determine their path to the World Cup. Fans are encouraged to support the team as they strive to achieve their dreams.
