Anthony Scores Brace, Thai Students Defeat Ireland 5-2
Anthony Tangpa scored twice as the Thai student team defeated Ireland 5-2 in their second match of the 2026 World School Football Championship in Suzhou, China. After an early penalty and a red card to Ireland, Thailand capitalized on their numerical advantage to secure the win. The result sets up a final group-stage clash with Bulgaria on October 21.
In the first half, Thailand earned a penalty in the 16th minute, which Supanat Chaiphra converted to give Thailand a 1-0 lead. Ireland equalized in the 35th minute through Aaron O'Leary. Just before halftime, Ireland's Ryan Bracken received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving them with ten men; the half ended 1-1.
The second half began with Thailand enjoying a numerical advantage. In the 45th minute, Aaron O'Leary deliberately handled the ball to prevent a goal, earning a red card and reducing Ireland to nine players. Anthony Tangpa then scored to put Thailand ahead 2-1. Three minutes later, in the 48th minute, Tangpa netted his second of the match to make it 3-1. At the 62nd minute, Narathip Kittikananurak drove into the box and scored to extend the lead to 4-1. Ireland pulled one back in the 67th minute when Darragh Battell beat goalkeeper Thitwontan Waiyakorn after a Thai foul in the box, making it 4-2. In the 75th minute, substitute forward Ruppasak Kamolchuenpirun added a fifth goal for Thailand, sealing a 5-2 victory and advancement to the next round.
Thailand will conclude the group stage against Bulgaria on Tuesday, October 21, 2026 at 08:30 Thailand time.
