Yala City FC held by late Ranong United equaliser in Thai League 3

Yala City FC were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Ranong United FC in Thai League 3 on 24 October 2026 after conceding a late equaliser at home. Yala had led for much of the match, but Ranong’s persistence paid off in the closing stages, leaving both sides with a point apiece in the southern section of the league.

The match was played with the energy typical of a southern derby, and Yala City’s early dominance suggested they might take all three points. However, Ranong United stayed in the contest and found a way back into the game with a well-worked equaliser.

Match overview

Yala City FC started on the front foot, pressing high and moving the ball quickly through midfield. Their breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Abdulrahman Ismael received the ball on the edge of the box, shifted onto his left foot and curled a shot into the far corner. The home side continued to create chances, with Muhammad Faisal forcing a save from the Ranong goalkeeper shortly before half-time.

Ranong United improved after the interval, bringing more bodies forward and testing the Yala defence with crosses from wide areas. The equaliser arrived in the 85th minute when substitute Sittichai Boonmee reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and stabbed it home from close range.

Key moments

• 23rd minute: Abdulrahman Ismael opened the scoring for Yala City with a curling effort from the edge of the area.
• 41st minute: Yala’s Muhammad Faisal was denied by a strong save from the Ranong goalkeeper.
• 58th minute: Ranong United struck the crossbar with a header from a corner.
• 85th minute: Sittichai Boonmee equalised for Ranong United, poking the ball home after a scramble in the box.
• 90+3 minutes: Yala City pushed for a winner, but a last-gasp free-kick was comfortably saved.

Tactical story

Yala City’s 4-2-3-1 shape gave them control in the first half, with Abdulrahman Ismael drifting between the lines and causing problems for Ranong’s back four. The home side’s full-backs pushed high, pinning Ranong back and creating space in wide areas. However, Yala’s intensity dropped after the break, and Ranong took advantage by pressing higher and forcing turnovers in the final third.

Ranong’s decision to introduce fresh legs in the second half proved crucial. Sittichai Boonmee’s energy and movement in the box gave the visitors a focal point, and his late goal was a reward for their improved second-half display. Yala, meanwhile, will be frustrated by their failure to manage the closing stages.

Standout players

Abdulrahman Ismael was Yala City’s standout performer, scoring a fine goal and creating several chances. For Ranong United, Sittichai Boonmee made the difference from the bench, while the Ranong goalkeeper kept his side in the game with important saves in the first half. Yala captain Muhammad Faisal also impressed with his work rate and link-up play.

League impact

The draw leaves Yala City FC frustrated after a dominant first-half performance, while Ranong United FC will take confidence from their late resilience. In a tightly contested southern section of Thai League 3, dropping points at home could prove costly for Yala as the season progresses. Both teams will look to build on different aspects of this performance in their next fixtures.