Thailand Crushes Opponent 5-0 in AFF Cup 2026 Opener

Thailand opened its AFF Championship 2026 campaign in dominant fashion on Saturday, July 25, 2026, defeating Laos 5-0 at the New Laos National Stadium in Vientiane, according to match reports from the region. The Group B fixture saw the War Elephants secure all three points through a commanding display that included goals from Teerasak Poeiphimai, Kakana Khamyok, Yotsakorn Burapha, and team captain Sarach Yooyen.

First-Half Dominance and Crucial Red Card for Laos

The visiting Thai squad wasted little time establishing control, breaking the deadlock 11 minutes into the match. Teerasak Poeiphimai connected on a header to put the War Elephants ahead 1-0. According to the match records, Thailand doubled its lead in the 27th minute when Sarach Yooyen delivered a precise through ball into the penalty box. Kakana Khamyok collected the pass and slotted a shot past Laos goalkeeper Kopp Lokphathip to make it 2-0.

The hosts faced an uphill battle just before halftime. In the 42nd minute, Laos defender Phetdavanh Somsanid received a red card after bringing down Yotsakorn Burapha from behind. The sending-off left Laos with 10 players for the remainder of the contest, preserving Thailand’s comfortable two-goal advantage heading into the halftime break.

Second-Half Goal Surge Seals the Match

Thailand capitalized on its numerical advantage immediately after the restart. Yotsakorn Burapha extended the lead early in the second half, converting an assist from Seksan Ratree to net the team’s third goal. Just moments later, in the 52nd minute, team captain Sarach Yooyen added his name to the scoresheet again, firing a low-driven shot from outside the penalty box that beat the Laos defense and settled into the net.

The onslaught continued in the 59th minute. Teerasak Poeiphimai provided a sharp cutback pass inside the area, allowing Kakana Khamyok to tap home his second goal of the night and cap the scoring at 5-0. Laos struggled to mount an offensive response or find a consolation goal in the remaining minutes against a stifling Thai defense.

Match Lineups

Laos: Kop Lokphathip; Vongsadka Chanthaleuxay, Phetdavanh Somsanid, Sangvilay Phuotthavong, Damoth Thonkhamsavath, Chanthavixay Khounthoumphone, Bounpharng Xaysombath, Kaharn Phetsivilay, Somlith Sengbanny; Chin Waenpaseuth.

Thailand: Kampol Pathomakkakul; Chaiyaphon Otton, Narubadin Weerawatnodom, Manuel Bihr, Wanchai Jarunongkran, Nattapong Sayriya; Kakana Khamyok, Seksan Ratree, Sarach Yooyen; Teerasak Poeiphimai, Yotsakorn Burapha.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of the Laos vs. Thailand match in the AFF Championship 2026?

Thailand defeated Laos with a final score of 5-0.

Where was the Group B match played?

The match took place at the New Laos National Stadium in Vientiane.

Who scored the goals for Thailand?

Teerasak Poeiphimai opened the scoring with a header, Kakana Khamyok scored two goals, Yotsakorn Burapha added one, and captain Sarach Yooyen contributed another from outside the penalty box.

Which player received a red card during the match?

Laos defender Phetdavanh Somsanid was sent off in the 42nd minute following a challenge on Yotsakorn Burapha.