Both teams began the match on an even footing, each launching quick attacks in the opening minute.

But it was Thailand who struck first, taking the lead in the second minute when Natee Jeepon unleashed a powerful right-footed shot from across the pitch into the Kuwait goalmouth. 

Less than a minute later, Komkrit Nanan doubled Thailand’s lead before assisting Ratthaphong Nadee for their third shortly after.

Despite a valiant effort from Kuwait to claw their way back in the second period, the Atsuo Oguro-led Thailand largely remained in control. 

The most notable chance for Kuwait in the second period came from Omar Alrouqi’s bicycle kick which was expertly parried away by the nimble Suriya between the sticks.

Cheered on by a capacity crowd, Thailand came back from the break strongly, giving Tareq AlKhaledi’s charges very little room to manoeuvre.

However, Kuwait’s efforts were finally rewarded in the fourth minute of the third period when goalkeeper Omar Alfailakawi came forward to the centre of the pitch to send an overhead shot into the top left corner of the Thai goal.

With five minutes left on the clock, Kuwait managed to reduce the gap further when Mohammed Hajeyah stepped up to take a penalty, coolly converting the spot-kick and slotting the ball past the Thai custodian.

Three minutes later, Kuwait came close to scoring again but Alrouqi found his long range shot denied by the crossbar.

But not losing heart,  the 2023 quarter-finalists continued to make charges in the dying moments and found the equaliser in the 34th minute, courtesy of Meshal Shafei’s precise free-kick from the left flank.

But with less than 30 seconds to go in extra time, Natee’s free-kick found Suriya, who unleashed a ferocious effort which saw the ball fly into the net.