Thailand's U23 team edged arch-rivals Vietnam 1-0 to pick up their first win in the CFA Team China International Youth Tournament at Fengdong Football Park East Stadium in Xi'an on Saturday.
An early goal by Thanakrit Chotmuangpak inside the first minute proved decisive as Thawatchai Damrong-ongtrakul's men defeated the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games champions.
Thailand got off to a fast start and took the lead after just 20 seconds when Chawanwit Sealao found Thanakrit in the box and the Buriram United player's shot deflected off a Vietnam defender, wrongfooting goalkeeper Cao Van Binh.
Chawanwit had a chance to double the lead in the 20th minute but his shot went wide of the right post. The winger wasted another opportunity in the first-half stoppage time as the Vietnam keeper saved the shot with his left leg.
Thanakrit had a chance to double his tally in the 57th minute but his shot was cleared by a Vietnam defender.
Chawanwit missed another good opportunity in the 72nd minute while Worawut Noisri should have added a second goal for Thailand in injury time.
Thailand opened the campaign with a 2-2 draw against hosts China on Wednesday.
Thailand will face North Korea in the final match on Tuesday. The game will kick off at 2pm.
