Thailand had a beautiful farewell.

February 20th marked the final matchday of the 2025 AFC U-20 Championship group stage. Although Thailand U-20 had already been eliminated after two consecutive losses, they still had one final match against Syria U-20. Despite having no further objectives, the young Thai team delivered an exciting game, demonstrating an unyielding spirit.

Thailand drew in an unbelievable match while playing with ten men.

The turning point of the match came in the final minute of the first half, when Thailand U.20 goalkeeper Anut Samran received a direct red card for a foul on an opposing player. With a man advantage, Syria U.20 took the initiative to attack from the start of the second half and scored two goals, courtesy of Ahmad Alkalo (52nd minute) and Mohammed Al Mustafa (71st minute).

At this point, the U20 Thailand team had no chance of advancing, trailing by two goals while playing with ten men. However, the "War Elephants" seemed to have no concept of giving up and ended the match with an unbelievable score. The team from the land of the golden temples played with great determination to equalize 2-2, earning one point against U20 Syria. This was also the first and only point for U20 Thailand in the 2025 AFC U20 Championship finals. The result of this match also served as a beautiful farewell for the representative from Southeast Asia.

Table D standings after 3 matches. Thailand U.20 exits the 2025 AFC U.20 Championship with 1 point.

Talented players gather in the quarterfinals.

At this point, the 2025 AFC U-20 Championship has determined the eight teams that will compete in the quarter-finals: Australia U-20, China U-20, Saudi Arabia U-20, Iraq U-20, Iran U-20, Uzbekistan U-20, South Korea U-20, and Japan U-20. Among these, Uzbekistan U-20 is the defending champion, while Iraq U-20 is the defending runner-up.

The 2025 AFC U-20 Championship also serves as the qualifying round for the 2025 U-20 World Cup (to be held in Chile, starting in September). Therefore, the four teams that reach the semi-finals of the 2025 AFC U-20 Championship will secure a ticket to the biggest football tournament on the planet for the U-20 age group.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/xac-dinh-8-doi-vao-tu-ket-u20-chau-a-thai-lan-co-loi-chia-tay-dep-185250220164140358.htm