U23 Thailand missed out on victory against China in their opening match.

U23 Thailand allowed China to draw 2-2 in the opening match of the CFA Team China 2026 friendly tournament.

The match between U23 Thailand and U23 China concluded with an exciting 2-2 draw, as the Golden Temple team could not maintain their two-goal lead after the first half.

From the very beginning, U23 China showed initiative by creating dangerous opportunities. In the 2nd minute, a close-range shot from a red-shirted player hit the crossbar, giving Thailand's defense a scare. However, after enduring early pressure, U23 Thailand gradually regained control and began to make a difference.

In the 22nd minute, Jehhanafee Mamah opened the scoring for U23 Thailand after a beautiful combination with Siraphop Wandee. By the 35th minute, the lead was doubled when Chawanwit Sealao capitalized on Bao Shimeng's mistake to score, making it 2-0. Earlier, the white-shirted team also had several dangerous chances but failed to convert.

In the second half, the match dynamics changed noticeably as U23 China pushed forward. In the 50th minute, Xiang Yuwang headed home to reduce the deficit to 1-2 following a quick counterattack. Rising morale helped the home team continuously apply pressure, forcing U23 Thailand to defend deep.

The following minutes saw intense action. U23 China had another clear opportunity in the 63rd minute, but Xiang Yuwang failed to complete a double by missing his close-range shot. The home team also claimed a penalty in the 78th minute, but the referee determined there was no foul from the Thai defender.

The relentless pressure finally paid off as U23 China equalized 2-2 in the final minutes. Despite creating more chances during added time, the home team could not complete the comeback.

The climax of the match came in the 90+8th minute, when each team received a red card after fierce clashes, concluding a highly tense 90 minutes.

The match ended. U23 Thailand 2-2 U23 China

90'+8: RED CARDS FOR BOTH TEAMS

Players from U23 Thailand and U23 China successively received red cards due to fierce clashes at the end of the match.

90'+1: HOME TEAM'S EFFORT

In the final minutes, the home team continuously pushed forward to seek another goal. They created several dangerous opportunities but could not score again.

78': NO PENALTY

A U23 China player fell in U23 Thailand's penalty area, but the referee determined there was no penalty for the home team.

63': MISSED

Xiang Yuwang had a chance to score a double, but his close-range shot missed.

50': REDUCING THE GAP

Early in the second half, U23 China scored to narrow the gap. From a counterattack, Xiang Yuwang headed into the opponent's net.

40': OFFISIDE

A U23 China player just put the ball into Thailand's net, but the referee immediately raised the offside flag.

35': GOOOO!!! 2-0 FOR U23 THAILAND

U23 China's defense lacked concentration; Bao Shimeng's mistake allowed Chawanwit Sealao to capitalize perfectly, scoring accurately to increase the lead for the white-shirted team.

33': MISSED

Thailand had a chance to make it 2-0, but Wandee's final shot ended up in the Chinese goalkeeper's hands.

22': GOAL!!!! 1-0 FOR THAILAND

Siraphop Wandee made a favorable pass to Jehhanafee Mamah, who received the ball, took one touch, and unleashed a beautiful shot to open the scoring.

20': EARLY SUBSTITUTION

Player number 32 Wang Bohao had to leave the field early due to injury after a clash with U23 Thailand's captain.

11': DANGEROUS

Wang Shiqin crossed from the left for He Yiran, but it didn't connect.

2': MISSED

U23 China had an extremely dangerous attack; the ball hit the crossbar of U23 Thailand's goal after a close-range shot from a red-shirted player.

1': Match begins

Starting lineup

U23 China

U23 Thailand

When is U23 China vs U23 Thailand, and where to watch live?

• Time: 18:35 today, March 25
• Location: To be updated
• Tournament: Friendly match CFA Team China 2026
• Live on: To be updated

For viewers to follow conveniently, we will update detailed developments and results of the match between U23 China and U23 Thailand through this article.

Expected lineup U23 China vs U23 Thailand

• U23 China:Yi Luan (GK), Hu Hetao, Liu Haofan, Peng Xiao, Umidjan Yusup, Yang Xi, Xu Bin, Li Zhenquan, Mutalifu Iminqari, Wang Yudong, Xiang Yuwang.
• U23 Thailand:Chomphat Boonlert (GK), Saphon Noywong, Pitchit Chai Sierkratok, Wision Inaram, Usama Tiangkam, Peeranun Buakai, Sittha Boonla, Chawanwit Saelao, Pripon Wongsa, Iklas Sanharon.

Analysis U23 China vs U23 Thailand: A favorable start

At 19:35 on March 25, the U23 China team will face U23 Thailand in Xi'an within the framework of the Four Nations friendly tournament.

For U23 China, the home team enters this friendly tournament missing several key players who participated in the journey to the runner-up position in the 2026 U23 Asian Cup. Many names have been promoted to the national team, significantly reducing overall strength. However, this is an opportunity for new talents to prove themselves. Players like Mao Weijie are expected to make a difference, especially after showing good adaptability in new positions recently. Therefore, U23 China's play may lean towards control and tactical experimentation rather than全力争取胜利.

On the other hand, U23 Thailand is in a similar situation. Many of their standout players have been called up to the national team, making the squad participating in the tournament not the strongest. Nevertheless, the head coach of the "War Elephants" stated that the main goal is not the result, but to provide opportunities for young players to gain international experience. This means U23 Thailand is likely to approach the match with an open mindset, ready to experiment with personnel and tactics.

Considering the comparison, U23 China holds a slight advantage in terms of expertise and plays at home. Meanwhile, U23 Thailand possesses flexibility and a relaxed spirit.