Post by : Badri Ariffin

A 24-year-old Thai footballer was killed and 12 other people, including a Malaysian player, were injured after lightning struck a football pitch during a tournament match in Sungai Golok, Narathiwat province, southern Thailand, on Tuesday (Aug. 4).

According to Sungai Golok police chief Thun Sirikhunt, the incident happened at around 5.30pm local time as heavy rain fell during the semi-final of the regional Golok FA Cup football tournament at Santiphap Stadium.

Match Featured Thai and Malaysian Players

The semi-final was played between Abu x Nong Sirin and SAMCOLT, a team made up of both Thai and Malaysian players. Sirikhunt said the Golok FA Cup also includes other Malaysian teams, including Kelantan FC.

Sungai Golok is located near the Thailand-Malaysia border, close to Malaysia's Kelantan state.

Victim Identified as Sofwan Awae

The footballer who died was identified as 24-year-old Sofwan Awae, a winger who had recently signed with third-tier club Yala FC.

Reports said Sofwan was playing for Abu x Nong Sirin in the tournament, although there are conflicting reports regarding the team he represented in the match.

Before joining Yala FC only a few days earlier, Sofwan had previously played for Pattani FC.

Emergency Teams Responded Immediately

Police received an emergency call at about 5.30pm and quickly arrived at the stadium, where Sofwan was found in critical condition.

"Although the emergency medical team made every effort to save him, the victim succumbed to severe injuries sustained in the incident," police chief Thun Sirikhunt said.

Malaysian Player Among Those Injured

Sirikhunt confirmed that one of the injured players was 22-year-old Malaysian footballer Mohammad Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli.

According to reports, Alif was representing SAMCOLT during the tournament. All injured players were taken to Sungai Golok Hospital for medical treatment.

Football Community Pays Tribute

Following the tragedy, Yala FC and the Football Association of Thailand expressed their condolences over Sofwan Awae's death.

"The association joins in mourning this loss and offers its condolences to the family, those involved and the football club during this time of sorrow," the Football Association of Thailand said on Tuesday.

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