* Goals: Srichan 14’, Kuako 62’ – Singsawang 53’, Vilaisone 71’, 76’.

Thailand entered Gelora Delta Stadium needing a victory against Laos, having lost 0-1 to Myanmar in the previous match. They started well, taking the lead in the 14th minute with Wipusit Srichan's skillful dribble and shot from outside the box. However, Laos unexpectedly equalized in the 53rd minute through Anulak Singsawang's left-footed direct free-kick.

Thailand regained the lead in the 62nd minute. The Laos goalkeeper saved Piyaphat Malisaychon's long-range shot, but Prez Alves Kelly Kuako was in position to tap in the rebound.

Thailand (in blue) lost 2-3 to Laos in the final Group B match of the 2026 AFF U17 Championship at Gelora Delta Stadium in Indonesia on 18/4. Photo: ThailandNT

Had this score held, Thailand would have taken the top spot from Laos, especially as Philippines was leading Myanmar 2-1. However, Sisombat Vilaisone's stellar performance, scoring two goals in the 71st and 76th minutes, allowed Laos to complete a 3-2 comeback victory.

This result placed Laos at the top of Group B with 7 points, securing their spot in the semifinals. Thailand was eliminated, finishing third with 3 points.

This marks the second time Thailand has been eliminated in the group stage of the AFF U17 Championship, previously known as the U16 tournament. The first instance occurred in the inaugural edition in 2002, where a 3-3 draw with Laos also indirectly led to Thailand's early exit.

The 2026 AFF U17 Championship is hosted in Indonesia from 11/4 to 24/4. twelve teams are divided into three groups, playing a single round-robin format. The three group winners and the best-performing runner-up will advance to the semifinals.

In addition to Laos, Australia has also qualified, topping Group C with three wins. The remaining two spots will be decided tomorrow after the final Group A matches, where Vietnam faces host Indonesia and Malaysia plays Timor Leste.

Vietnam currently leads Group A with 6 points, three points ahead of Malaysia and Indonesia. Coach Cristiano Roland's team needs only a draw against the hosts to secure the top spot in the group. If they do, they will face reigning champions Australia in the semifinals. The other semifinal will be between Laos and the best-performing runner-up.

The AFF U16/U17 Championship was first held in 2002, and this is its 17th edition. Historically, the tournament has often expanded to include guest teams from outside the region, such as Japan, China, Bahrain, and Bangladesh.

Thailand, Vietnam, and Australia lead with three titles each. Following them are Myanmar, Indonesia, Australia (2), and Japan (1).

Hieu Luong