Thai U23 player speaks out after being unable to play against Vietnam U23

On March 26, 2026, the fanpage Changsuek - Thai national football team posted a clip from the Thai U23 locker room after their opening match in the CFA Team China International Youth Tournament Xi'an, held in Xi'an, China.

In the opening match, Thai U23 drew China U23 with a score of 2-2. Thailand scored two goals in the first half, before the host China equalized in the second half. In the other match, Vietnam U23 drew with North Korea U23 1-1, leaving all four teams with one point after the first round.

However, the focal point of the match occurred during stoppage time when each team received a red card following a collision incident. According to Chinese media reports, Thai-Moroccan dual-nationality player Oussama Tiangkham swung his arm and hit an opponent, causing the player to fall. The situation quickly escalated beyond control as many other players joined in the dispute, heightening tensions.

The referee did not take long to make a decision. A direct red card was issued to Oussama, while Xuan Zhijian from China U23 was also sent off after participating in the altercation. Nevertheless, the dispute did not stop, as players continued to react strongly even after the penalty was given.

Some sources from 163sports reported that Chinese players strongly criticized Oussama's behavior, while this player himself clapped towards the stands when leaving the field, raising suspicions of provocation. Conversely, Xuan Zhijian expressed dissatisfaction with the referee's decision, claiming he only acted instinctively in the chaotic situation.

In the locker room after the match, Oussama Tiangkham briefly apologized to his teammates in Thai U23. The player said: “I regret acting that way. I hope everyone will fight hard and win in the next match.”.

Due to the red card he received, Oussama will be absent in the next match against Vietnam U23. This is a significant loss for Thai U23 in the upcoming game. The confrontation will take place at Fengdong Football Park East Stadium, China, at 14:00 on March 28, 2026.