The Malawi Under-15 National Football Team surrendered a first-half lead as Thailand fought back to claim a 6-2 victory in Thursday’s Tier C encounter at the FIFA Under-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 in Baku.
Intious Adam struck twice to overturn an early deficit, but Thailand recovered to draw level before half-time and scored four unanswered goals after the break at the Hovsan Competition Complex. Joseph Malizani’s side faced Thailand following a 4-0 defeat to Panama earlier in the day, with the injured Miracle Ndovie absent from the Junior Flames’ squad for their second match.
Thailand opened the scoring through Pakin Thamtieng in the second minute, but Malawi responded immediately as Adam found the net to restore parity. Poorinat Maneerat fired over a minute later before Adam struck again in the seventh minute to put Malawi ahead.
The forward nearly helped create a third a minute later, finding Innocent Jauma inside the box, but the captain’s effort was blocked behind for a corner. Malawi continued to threaten, sustaining pressure in Thailand’s half before sending an effort over in the 13th minute. Jazaka Amidu then fired wide of the right-hand post two minutes later.
Thailand equalised in the 16th minute when Tinnaphop Thadtho headed a corner back across goal from the far post for captain Punjakamol Sungchuay to head home.
Fightwell Msukwa made an important save to deny Ratanon Anantakul a minute later. At the other end, Thailand nearly conceded an own goal before their keeper recovered to prevent the ball crossing the line.
Another fine stop from Msukwa kept Malawi level in the 19th minute before Jauma sent an effort over. Malizani introduced Sipho Ngwira for Amidu in the 20th minute, with the teams going into the interval level at 2-2.
Thailand threatened early after the restart, but Malawi turned an effort behind and defended the resulting corner. Both sides sent attempts over before Msukwa produced another important save in the 25th minute. Ngwira then had an opportunity at the other end, receiving the ball unmarked on the edge of the box but shooting wide.
Thailand regained the lead in the 27th minute when Anantakul headed home from a kick-in delivered from the right.
