Thailand squanders victory after nightmare second half against Kuwait

(Football results) - Believing they were about to demonstrate their power on home soil, Thailand instead experienced a regretful 90 minutes, letting a two-goal advantage slip away as Kuwait courageously earned a draw.

Thailand's confidence from a string of positive results was evident as they hosted Kuwait in an international friendly. Before kickoff, the Southeast Asian side was rated higher due to their 93rd place in the FIFA rankings, far ahead of Kuwait, who stood at 134th. However, what unfolded on the pitch was an unpredictable scenario.

Thailand started actively, constantly applying pressure with fast attacks. From the early minutes, the hosts created several dangerous chances but failed to capitalize. Nonetheless, their efforts paid off in the 42nd minute when Sarach Yooyen delivered a precise long pass for Seksan to sprint through and finish decisively, opening the scoring for the Land of Smiles. Just before halftime, Kritsada unleashed a fierce long-range shot from the second line, doubling Thailand's lead. However, this seemingly safe advantage was not enough to secure victory for the home side.

In the second half, Kuwait showed a completely different face. Just three minutes after the break, Majed leaped to head the ball accurately from a left-wing cross, reducing the deficit to 1-2. The visitors continued to increase pressure, repeatedly unsettling Thailand's defense. In the 51st minute, Nasser put the ball in the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Ten minutes later, Nasser executed a dangerous free kick that hit the post, leaving goalkeeper Patiwat helpless.

Kuwait's relentless pressure finally paid off. In the 69th minute, Daham fired a long shot that forced the Thai goalkeeper to parry, allowing Eid Al Rashidi to rush in and tap in the rebound to equalize at 2-2. This goal completed the West Asian side's comeback from a two-goal deficit. In the remaining time, both teams had further chances but could not convert.

Thailand still fought for a winning goal in the closing minutes. Most notably, in the 89th minute, Jude Soonsup-Bell, a former Chelsea youth player, broke through one-on-one from the right side of the box but could not beat goalkeeper Al Rashidi. Earlier, this striker also took a free kick that sailed too high over the goal.

The 2-2 draw was clearly not what Thai fans hoped for, given their team had once led by two goals. Nevertheless, the match offered many positive attacking signs for the Land of Smiles. Conversely, Kuwait could be satisfied with their resilient spirit and impressive comeback against a higher-rated opponent.

Where to watch Thailand vs Kuwait live?

• Match time:19:30 on June 5, 2026
• Venue: BG Stadium, Thailand
• Tournament:International Friendly
• Live channel: Link 1

Preview of Thailand vs Kuwait

Thailand entered this match with high morale. According to pre-match statistics, the Land of Smiles had impressive form, winning all of their last five matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding only four. Home advantage, the enthusiasm of new players, and good ball control made Thailand slightly favored over Kuwait.

However, head-to-head history heavily favored Kuwait. In their previous five meetings, Kuwait won four and drew one. Yet, the last encounter between the two sides was in 2014, a very different time compared to the present. Thailand now possesses a more modern, faster playing style and is especially dangerous in wide attacks.

Kuwait is no easy opponent either. The West Asian side has good physicality, strong contesting foundation, and often knows how to exploit counterattacks. However, Kuwait's recent form has been inconsistent, winning only one, drawing two, and losing two in their last five matches, scoring seven but conceding nine. This gives Thailand reason to believe in a more proactive game.

Predicted lineups for Thailand vs Kuwait

• Thailand: Khammai; Dolah, Ballini, Haiprakhon, Kraikruan; Songkrasin, Doloh, Davis, Wonggorn, Panya; Chaided.
• Kuwait: Al Rashidi; Ghanam, Al-Enezi, Al-Hajeri, Dosari; Al-Dhefiri, Hani; Majed, Al-Mutar, Daham; Nasser.