The national Under-17 football team suffered a record-equaling 19-0 loss at the hands of Thailand in the 2025 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-17 Asian Cup qualification at Chonburi Stadium in Thailand on Friday.
The Thailand rout equals an unwanted record at under-17 level for the biggest defeat with Australia whom they also lost by the same scoreline during an ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) match in August 2013.
The Junior Wasps’ second successive defeat in Group ‘D’ automatically spelled their elimination from the qualifying tournament having been previously handed a 13-0 drubbing against India in their opening match.
The Junior War Elephants opened the floodgates in the 11th minute when Thatsataporn PhuengKuson guided the ball home from an unmissable position before running back into the centre circle hurriedly perhaps with the intent of causing more damage.
Thailand under-17 forward Pirada Larsawat breezed past the defence before lashing a delicate finish, ensuring a one-way traffic for the group contenders.
With the Bruneians seemingly in dire form having lost three consecutive AFC qualifying matches by double digits, Pirada inspired his side with a four-goal performance.
His teammates Phanuphong Wan-On, Kittiphop Chephankhung and Jompon Homboonma also contributed to the onslaught with a hat-trick each.
Thitinai Jongketkorn and Sorawit Srilang added a brace for the relentless junior Thai side, with Chatchawat Sahanunchaidchid also getting on the act.
The national under-17 football team will conclude their group stage campaign against already-eliminated Turkmenistan today. – Fadhil Yunus
