Last night, March 24, 2025, Thailand faced off against Kuwait in a thrilling Group A match at the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2025, held at the Jomtien Beach Arena in Pattaya by the Yaimak Market.
The game, which marked the final group stage fixture for both teams, delivered an intense showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Thailand, ranked 53rd in the world, entered the match with a strong position in Group A, having already secured victories over India (3-0) and Lebanon (5-4). Kuwait, ranked 60th, needed a win to keep their quarter-final hopes alive after a mixed run with a loss to Lebanon (4-5) and a win against India (4-2). The stakes were high, as the top two teams from the group would advance to the knockout stage.
The match was a rollercoaster from start to finish, with both teams trading leads throughout the three 12-minute periods. Kuwait showcased their resilience, pushing Thailand to the limit with their attacking prowess. However, neither side could secure a decisive advantage by the end of regulation time, forcing the game into extra time. Several controversial referee calls also took place favoring Kuwait, leading to heated verbal exchanges between both sides and loud boos from the packed crowd of almost universally Thai fans. These calls were a furious point of discussion of Thai football forums online following the game.
In the extra period, Thailand’s Suriya Boridet emerged as the hero. With the score tied and tension mounting with only about a minute to go, Boridet scored a stunning goal that clinched a 4-3 victory for the hosts. This awesome finish not only secured the win but also ensured Thailand finished atop Group A with a perfect record of 9 points from three matches.
The result eliminated Kuwait from contention, as they finished with 3 points, while Thailand solidified their status as a strong contender in the tournament. Posts online reflected the excitement, with one user describing the match as “heroic, dramatic, and astonishing,” highlighting Boridet’s extra-time heroics. Thailand now advances to the quarter-finals with momentum, aiming to make a deep run in their home tournament and secure one of the three qualification spots for the 2025 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Seychelles.
Thailand faces Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, March 26th, at 630 PM Thai time in the Quarter Final match. Tickets are free but you MUST be early (possibly by hours) to score them in person at the stadium on Jomtien Beach. The game is a guaranteed sell out and will feature a loud and excited home crowd.
Photos: Thai Football Association, AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup
