Right after the opening whistle, U23 Thailand controlled the game better with a ball possession rate of over 65%. However, they did not create clear pressure on the opponent's goal.
In the 8th minute, when U23 Thailand surprised by opening the score from a set-piece situation. The corner kick was taken on the right wing, Boonlha finished, causing the ball to touch the foot of the U23 Australia player and change direction straight into the net.
However, the advantage of U23 Thailand did not last long. In the 11th minute, after consulting VAR, the referee issued a direct red card to Maneekorn for kicking straight into the Australian player's ankle. The Southeast Asian team had to play with one less player for most of the remaining time of the match.
From the penalty spot, Alagich finished accurately to equalize the score for U23 Australia. Just 1 minute later, this team continued to take a 2-1 lead when Macallister launched a technical shot, sending the ball in a curved trajectory beyond the reach of the U23 Thailand goalkeeper.
In the remaining minutes of the first half, U23 Australia created some more dangerous opportunities, typically Jovanovic's shot facing the goal. On the other side, U23 Thailand also responded in the 42nd minute, when Saelao finished wide from close range after Phochai's assist.
In the second half, U23 Australia proactively controlled the game, using many passes to stretch the opponent's formation.
In the 59th minute, U23 Thailand had a chance to equalize when Inaram headed in the Australian penalty area. However, his shot was too weak and could not cause difficulties for the Australian defense.
Conversely, the kangaroo team also had dangerous pressing phases, especially close coordination situations near the penalty area but could not penetrate the opponent's net.
In the end, U23 Australia still maintained the score to win 2-1 against U23 Thailand in the opening match of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship.
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