Yala FC Player Dies After Being Struck by Lightning on Football Field, One Malaysian Injured
SUNGAI GOLOK, THAILAND: The atmosphere of the semi‑final match of the 2026 Golok FA Cup Football Tournament between the Thailand‑Malaysia combined teams, Sam Colt and Abu Nong Sirin, turned into tragedy when a Yala FC player died after being struck by lightning while playing at Santiphap Stadium here yesterday afternoon.
In the incident at approximately 5.30 pm, the victim, Sofwan Awae, 24, from Waeng District, Narathiwat, was confirmed dead at the scene.
In addition, a Malaysian, Mohamad Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli, 22, was also injured in the incident.
Also injured were Somchai Longmihna, 25, Sakirin Tikasom, 36, Sakariya Koleh, 38, Hamirul Cheh Asa, 32, Saranant Sathavorn, 37, Mayusaran Kaso, 31, Fatel Baka, 19; Suhaimi Rohman, 28, Anas Dulyaseree and Khairy Layeng.
Sungai Golok District Police Chief, Thun Sirikhunt, said that preliminary investigations found that heavy rain accompanied by strong winds hit the stadium area before lightning struck the middle of the field while the match was in progress.
He said that Sofwan, who was playing for the Abu Nong Sirin team, collapsed due to the lightning strike while approximately 11 other players also sustained injuries.
“Several of Sofwan’s teammates tried to give emergency assistance before emergency medical personnel from the Sheng Mu Tharn Namjai Foundation, Sungai Golok arrived, but the victim could not be saved.
“All the injured victims were sent for treatment at Sungai Golok Hospital,” he said.
Sirikhunt informed that Mohamad Alif Ezzahan, who represented the Sam Colt team, decided to return to Malaysia for further treatment.
He added that the tournament was a local football competition open to participation from teams from various regions in Southern Thailand and Malaysia.
– Kosmo Online