Aussies rally from early setback to edge Thailand in AFC U23 Asian Cup™ opener

Euan James 1767922903,1767925874

Two goals in two minutes helped the CommBank Australian U23s overturn an early setback and open their AFC U23 Asian Cup™ campaign with a 2-1 victory over Thailand in Riyadh.

Starting the tournament off with three points 👍✊➕3️⃣✅#AFCU23 pic.twitter.com/Af0pecQESL
— Football Australia (@FootballAUS) January 8, 2026

Thailand stunned Australia inside eight minutes when Sombat Boonlha struck from the edge of the penalty area following a corner, his effort taking a significant deflection on its way past goalkeeper Steven Hall to give the Southeast Asian side an early lead.

The match took a decisive turn just four minutes later. Thailand midfielder Pongsakon Jensen was shown a straight red card in the 12th minute following a VAR review for a dangerous, studs-up challenge on Jordi Valadon, leaving Thailand to play almost the entire contest with ten men.

It took Tony Vidmar’s side time to settle against a compact and congested Thai defence. Australia enjoyed the bulk of possession, with Thailand remaining dangerous on set pieces and the counter-attack.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 37th minute. Adelaide United’s Yaya Dukuly, switched to the right flank, surged aggressively towards the penalty area and was brought down by Sienkrathok. After another VAR check confirmed the foul occurred inside the box, captain Ethan Alagich stepped up and calmly converted the resulting penalty to restore parity.

Just one minute later, Australia completed a stunning turnaround. Sydney FC forward Mathias Macallister collected the ball near the left edge of the area, shrugged off multiple defenders and curled a magnificent right-footed strike into the far corner, leaving the Thai goalkeeper with no chance.

PICK THAT OUT! 🚀

Mathias Macallister slaps one top bins to give us the lead against Thailand in our 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup™️ opener! 🎯

🇦🇺 2-1 🇹🇭
📱💻📺: Live and Exclusive on Paramount+#AFCU23 #AUSvTHA pic.twitter.com/pRBEkA3VVb
— Football Australia (@FootballAUS) January 8, 2026

Macallister was the standout performer in green and gold, earning Man of the Match honours with a tireless display, while Aydan Hammond impressed in the first half with his energy down the right flank and clever combination play with Valadon centrally.

Australia controlled the contest after the interval, but were unable to fully put the game to bed against ten men. Thailand remained a threat from set pieces and nearly levelled just before half-time, striking the frame of the goal during a rare break forward.

Vidmar made several changes in the second half, including introducing Manchester United defender James Overy at the break, as Australia looked to add control and fresh legs.

Captain Alagich continued to lead by example, forcing two strong saves with powerful long-range efforts, the latter coming in the 67th minute after Luka Jovanovic worked his way to the byline and cut the ball back into a dangerous area. Jovanovic himself had a handful of opportunities that narrowly failed to extend the lead.

While Hall was rarely tested in open play after the restart, the U23s were unable to add a third goal and were forced to remain alert until the final whistle as Thailand pushed for an equaliser.

The Aussies now turn their attention to a crucial Group stage clash with China, before concluding their group campaign against Iraq later in the week.

Match Details

Thailand: 1 (Boonlha 8’)
Australia: 2 (Alagich 29’ pen, Macallister 30’)

Date: Thursday, 8 January 2026
Time: 2.30pm (local) / 10.30pm (AEDT)
Venue: Al Shabab FC Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Broadcast: Paramount+

Australia Line Up:
1. Steven HALL (GK), 2. Giuseppe BOVALINA (17. James OVERY 46’), 3. Joshua RAWLINS, 4. Nathan PAULL, 5. Aidan SIMMONS, 8. Ethan ALAGICH (C), 10. Jordi VALADON, 7. Aydan HAMMOND (11. Ariath PIOL 80’), 16. Luka JOVANOVIC (9. Nathanael BLAIR 69’), 11. Yaya DUKULY (14. Jed DREW 69’), 23. Mathias MACALLISTER (6. Louis AGOSTI 85’)

Subs not used:
12. Lachlan ALLEN (GK), 18. Dylan PERAIC-CULLEN (GK), 13. Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 15. Kane VIDMAR, 19. Marcus HUMBERT, 20. Jaylan PEARMAN, 21. Marcus YOUNIS

Thailand Line Up:
23. Boonloet (GK), 2. NoiWong, 5. James, 6. Boonlha, 7. Phochai, 8. Saelao (9. Puethong T. 58’), 13. Inaram, 16. Sienkrthok (17. Natthasit Y. 58’), 18. Sanron (22. Wongsa P. 87’), 19. Baukhai (4. Thiangkham O. 36’), 21. Jensen

Subs not used:
Aekprathumchai S. (GK), 2. Naengwongsa N. (GK), 12. Nusong P., 10. Puethong T., 9. Suksakit P., 3. Taengaksorn P., 11. Wandee S., 14. Wasungnoen J.

Yellow cards:
Dukuly 62’, Phochai 89’

Red cards:
Jensen (Thailand) 12’