Thailand U22 won 6-1 against Timor Leste, receiving a reward of 500,000 baht.
Madam Pang awarded 500,000 baht after Thailand U22 won 6-1 against Timor Leste in their opening match of the SEA Games 33; Yotsakorn Burapha scored a hat-trick in the next match against Singapore.
Thailand U22 started the SEA Games 33 with a 6-1 victory over Timor Leste U22 in Group A and were awarded 500,000 baht (approximately over 400 million VND). The decision to award the prize was confirmed by head coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul immediately after the match, and was made by the President of the Football Association of Thailand, Nualphan Lamsam (Madam Pang), to encourage the entire team on their journey towards winning the gold medal on home soil.
The first half was deadlocked, with Yotsakorn as the spark.
Despite the overwhelming final score, the U22 Thailand team endured a difficult first half against their less-fancied opponents. The deadlock was only broken in the final minutes of the half, when Yotsakorn Burapha appeared at the right moment to open the scoring for the home team.
Hat-trick in 3 minutes and a goalfest.
In the second half, the Chonburi striker continued his explosive form with two consecutive goals in the 71st and 73rd minutes, completing a hat-trick. With this scoring efficiency, Yotsakorn temporarily surpassed Nguyen Dinh Bac in the top scorer list.
Thailand U22 also scored goals from Siraphop Wandee, Kakana Khamyok, and an own goal from their opponents. Timor Leste U22 found a consolation goal in the final minutes through Antonio Caffin.
A 500,000 baht bonus: a morale boost.
Coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul said Madam Pang decided to give a bonus of 500,000 baht immediately after the opening victory. This bonus is expected to motivate the young players to maintain their high performance in the remainder of the group stage and in the race for the gold medal.
Selected highlights
- Score: U22 Thailand 6-1 U22 Timor Leste (Group A, men's football, SEA Games 33).
- Yotsakorn Burapha scored a hat-trick: scoring at the end of the first half, and adding two more goals in the 71st and 73rd minutes.
- The remaining goals were scored by Siraphop Wandee, Kakana Khamyok, and an own goal.
- U22 Timor Leste scored a consolation goal late in the match through Antonio Caffin.
- Post-match bonus: 500,000 baht (approximately over 400 million VND), as confirmed by coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul.
Personnel plan and match schedule
Coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul revealed that some players may have to return to support their respective clubs, as the Thai National League coincides with the SEA Games. Thailand U22's next match in Group A will be against Singapore in a week's time.
