Laos secured a semi-final berth at the ASEAN U17 Boy’s Championship after defeating Thailand 3-2 in their final Group B match on April 18, eliminating the regional heavyweight from the tournament.
Goals: Srichan 14’, Kuako 62’ – Singsawang 53’, Vilaisone 71’, 76’.
Thailand entered the match at Gelora Delta Stadium needing a win after a 0-1 loss to Myanmar. They took an early lead in the 14th minute when Wipusit Srichan scored with a long-range effort.
Laos equalized in the 53rd minute through Anulak Singsawang, who converted a direct free kick. Thailand regained the lead in the 62nd minute after Prez Alves Kelly Kuako tapped in a rebound from Piyaphat Malisaychon’s shot.
However, Sisombat Vilaisone scored twice in quick succession, in the 71st and 76th minutes, to complete Laos’ comeback.
Thailand (L) in their 2-3 loss to Laos in the final Group B match of the ASEAN U17 Boy’s Championship in Gelora Delta Stadium, Indonesia, April 18, 2026. Photo by ThailandNT
The result saw Laos finish top of Group B with seven points and advance to the semi-finals, while Thailand ended third with three points and were eliminated.
It marks only the second time Thailand have exited at the group stage of the tournament, following a similar outcome in the inaugural 2002 edition.
The 2026 tournament is being held in Indonesia from April 11 to 24, with 12 teams divided into three groups. The three group winners and the best second-placed team progress to the semi-finals.
Australia have qualified after topping Group C with three wins. The remaining semi-final spots will be decided after the final Group A matches, where Vietnam face host Indonesia and Malaysia meet Timor Leste.
Vietnam lead Group A with six points, three ahead of both Malaysia and Indonesia, and need only a draw to secure top position. If they advance, they are set to face defending champions Australia, while Laos will meet the best second-placed team.
As the tournament reaches its 17th edition, Thailand, Vietnam, and Australia are the most successful teams in the competition, with three titles each.
