The match between Thailand and Tajikistan in the opening round of the U17 Asian Championship 2026. *Photo: FAT*

The U17 Asian Championship is a qualifier for the U17 World Cup, with the top two teams from each group advancing. In Group A, the match between Thailand and Tajikistan was seen as key for both teams to secure second place, behind Saudi Arabia.

Thailand, determined to overcome their evenly matched opponent, faced immediate setbacks. In the opening minute, Tajikistan scored first due to an own goal by Thai defender Phetcharayut Soboonma.

Despite attacking after the early goal, Thailand struggled to breach Tajikistan's defense. Their best opportunity came in the 57th minute when Poramet La-Ongdee's shot struck the crossbar. Thailand's challenges escalated in the 60th minute as Soboonma received his second yellow card. Playing with ten men, the "War Elephants" (Thailand's national football team nickname) failed to generate pressure. Tajikistan then sealed their 2-0 victory in the 90+7 minute with a close-range tap-in from Parviz Sanginov.

In Group A's other match, Saudi Arabia defeated Myanmar 4-0. This result means Thailand now faces the tough task of beating both Saudi Arabia and Myanmar to secure a World Cup spot.

Thai players' disappointment after losing to Tajikistan in Group A of the U17 Asian Championship. *Photo: FAT*

Group B presented a similar scenario; with Japan's strong performance, the second qualifying spot was contested by Indonesia, China, and Qatar. Indonesia adopted a "park the bus" defensive strategy, mirroring their approach against China in the recent U17 Southeast Asian Championship.

Coach Kurniawan Yulianto's team was statistically outplayed by China. Indonesia managed only 39% possession, four shots on target, and two corner kicks. China dominated with 61% possession, 19 shots, and 12 corner kicks.

However, a late lapse in concentration from China's defense in the 86th minute proved decisive. Forward Keanu Senjaya capitalized, breaking clear to calmly score the match's only goal, sparking jubilation for Indonesia.

In the other Group B fixture, Japan secured a 3-1 comeback victory against Qatar. This result opens a path to the World Cup for Indonesia if they defeat Qatar in their next game. China, conversely, faces a challenging road, needing to overcome both Japan and Qatar.

Indonesia's jubilation after their 1-0 victory over China in the opening round of Group B at the U17 Asian Championship 2026. *Photo: AFC*

The U17 Asian Championship 2026 finals are hosted in Saudi Arabia from 5 to 22/5. Fifteen teams are participating, following North Korea's withdrawal from Group D. Teams are divided into four groups, with four teams per group, except Group D, which has three. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals and earn a berth in the U17 World Cup 2026 in Qatar. Should Qatar reach the quarterfinals, the third-placed team with the best group stage record will also qualify for the U17 World Cup 2026.

Vietnam is scheduled to begin their Group C campaign today, facing Yemen at 0h on Thursday, 7/4, Hanoi time.

Duc Dong