Air Force FC 2-1 Futera United

Sat 21 Mar 2026, 16:00 – T3 (Air Force Thupatemi Stadium)

A shocking refereeing decision condemned Futera to a hugely undeserved 2–1 defeat to Air Force FC, as their maiden professional season came to a frustrating close with an 8th-place finish.

Once again, Futera shuffled the pack, with Dell starting in goal and Bank and Bas given the opportunity to impress in the final game of the season. Futera began brightly, and Bank almost opened the scoring in the 14th minute when he ghosted in from the right flank, evaded the Air Force left-back, and unleashed a blistering angled drive that flew inches over the bar.

Futera continued to create chances, and Basbu’s sublime cross found Pup six yards out, but the midfielder miscued his volley before the ball fell to Heng, whose effort was well saved by the home keeper.

With Air Force offering very little in attack, Futera deservedly took the lead approaching the half-hour mark. John Oweri broke down the right flank, leaving defenders trailing in his wake, and from a tight angle fired home, beating the Air Force goalkeeper at his near post.

The impressive Bank, whose powerful running caused problems all afternoon, went close himself, and shortly afterwards Futera had another opportunity to extend their lead. After Air Force failed to clear a corner, the ball fell kindly to Pup inside the six-yard box, but he could only fire straight at the keeper.

The referee brought the half to a close with Futera holding a deserved 1–0 lead following an excellent first-half performance.

The second half began with a slight improvement from Air Force. A speculative effort from distance had Dell scrambling across his goal to parry the ball wide for a corner. From the resulting set-piece, Futera failed to clear their lines and, after a series of fortunate ricochets, the Air Force striker was able to smash the ball home from close range to make it 1–1.

A keenly contested encounter, with both sides pushing for a winner, was ultimately decided by a truly farcical decision in the 66th minute. As Bas and the Air Force winger tussled for possession inside the box, the ball spun up and clearly struck Bas in the chin. Much to everyone’s disbelief, the referee awarded a penalty, which was duly converted to give Air Force a 2–1 advantage.

Credit to Futera, who, despite their frustration, continued to press and search for an equaliser, forcing several corners, with Beem going close on two occasions. After six minutes of added time, and with Futera camped inside the Air Force half, the referee brought the game to an end, with the home side perhaps feeling somewhat fortunate, even slightly embarrassed, to have claimed all three points.

A truly scandalous penalty decision cost Futera at least a point. The Thai FA must look into these inconsistent and substandard officiating performances, this is, after all, professional football. There is no suggestion of any agenda against Futera, but the overall standard of refereeing has been extremely poor and has cost the team dearly in several matches this season.

As we reflect on our first season as a professional club, there is still much to be proud of. After a difficult opening phase, the team produced a series of outstanding performances in the second half of the campaign to ease any relegation concerns and secure their place at this level.

Now is the time to take stock and identify where improvements are needed. For me, the midfield, particularly without Khun or Champ, has at times looked incredibly naïve and lacking in discipline. Defensively, the side appears solid, and without doubt we possess the best goalkeeping unit in the league. Going forward, however, there is a clear need for greater support for John Oweri, as the team has been too heavily reliant on his goals. More contributions are needed from across the pitch, particularly from midfield.

A typical Futera season, full of highs and lows, but one we can all be immensely proud of. We have shown we belong at this level. Now it is about building, improving, and having a real go next season.