Jakarta: The Thai futsal team, known as the War Elephants, achieved a narrow 1-0 victory over Vietnam, securing their third consecutive win and advancing to the quarterfinals as group winners in the 2026 AFC Futsal Championship. This crucial match took place at the Indonesia Arena in Jakarta, where both teams had already guaranteed their places in the quarterfinals with 6 points each prior to the game.
According to Thai News Agency, Thailand, the defending runners-up, wore their blue kit for the final Group B match against Vietnam. The Thai national team, under the guidance of head coach "Coach Bear" Rakphol Sainetngam, started the game with five players: Arus Senbut as goalkeeper, alongside Worasak Sriharangpairoj, Itticha Prapaphan, Narongsak Wingwon, and Therdsak Charoenpong. The first half concluded with a scoreless draw.
The decisive moment came in the second half when Thailand took the lead in the 35th minute. Panas Kittiphanuwong delivered a crucial pass to Krit Aransanyalak, who successfully curled a left-footed shot into the net. This goal secured Thailand's victory with a perfect 9 points, granting them the top position in the group. Vietnam finished second in the group with 6 points.
Looking ahead to the quarter-finals, Thailand, as the Group B winner, is set to face Iraq, the Group A runner-up, on January 3rd at 3:00 PM. Meanwhile, Vietnam, having secured the Group B runner-up spot, will compete against Indonesia, the Group A winner, at 7:00 PM.