Pathum Thani: Matchday Two of the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers Group F produced two contrasting encounters on Saturday, with Malaysia dismantling Mongolia 7-0, while Thailand and Lebanon shared the spoils in a tense 2-2 draw played under heavy rain.
Mongolia 0–7 Malaysia: Ruthless Efficiency in Attack
Malaysia, wounded by their narrow opening-day defeat to Lebanon, came into the match determined to reassert their credentials. From the outset, they adopted a high-pressing structure, pinning Mongolia deep and forcing turnovers. The decision to attack directly through the channels rather than overcomplicate midfield buildup proved decisive.
The early goals from Aliff Izwan (12’) and Aysar Hadi (14’) unsettled Mongolia, while Fergus Tierney’s intelligent movement between the lines created space for others to exploit. Tierney’s hat-trick — completed with strikes in the 48th and 49th minutes — was the product of both sharp positioning and Malaysia’s relentless delivery into advanced areas.
By the second half, Malaysia had fully tilted the game in their favor, focusing on wide overloads and swift second-ball recoveries. Goals from Aliff Izwan (63’) and Ziad El Basheer (69’) rounded off a dominant performance that showcased the team’s adaptability after their earlier setback.
Lebanon 2–2 Thailand: A Battle in the Rain
If Malaysia’s win was about control, Thailand’s clash with Lebanon was defined by resilience in adverse conditions. The opening half was delayed and then bogged down by a heavy downpour, which slowed circulation and forced both teams to rethink their approach. Passing combinations broke down in puddles, and transitions relied more on direct play than intricate buildup.
Lebanon struck first when Hasan Farhat pounced two minutes into the restart, capitalizing on Thailand’s defensive hesitation. Thailand, however, responded with renewed urgency down the flanks, where the ball traveled slightly quicker than in central areas. Seksan Ratree’s equalizer in the 72nd minute reflected this shift, as Thailand prioritized width to bypass the swampy midfield.
The tactical pendulum swung again when Farhat restored Lebanon’s lead in the 85th minute, but Thailand refused to fold. Just three minutes later, Chanapach Buaphan converted from close range, underscoring their willingness to fight for every second ball despite the draining surface.
Tactical Takeaways
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Malaysia thrived by playing to conditions — minimizing risk in buildup, dominating wide zones, and pressing high to overwhelm Mongolia.
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Thailand, though less fluid, displayed resilience in the face of weather-induced chaos, using width and direct play to claw back twice against a Lebanon side that had earlier shocked Malaysia.
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The rain-soaked pitch proved a great tactical equalizer in Thailand’s match, slowing pressing intensity and turning the duel into a contest of physicality, patience, and quick adaptation.
With Tuesday’s fixtures — Thailand vs Malaysia and Lebanon vs Mongolia — looming, adaptability and efficiency will again be crucial, especially if the skies open up once more in Pathum Thani.