Malaysian Player Survives Lightning Strike That Kills Teammate in Thailand

Malaysian footballer Mohamad Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli, 22, expressed profound gratitude for surviving a lightning strike during a FA Cup Golok 2026 semi-final match in Sungai Golok, Thailand. The terrifying incident, however, resulted in the death of a teammate.

The match pitted a Thailand-Malaysia combined team, Sam Colt, against Abu Nong Sirin. Zulkifli recounted the harrowing moment when lightning struck his teammate, Sofwan Awae, 24, causing him to collapse on the field. Zulkifli himself fell shortly after, feeling as if he had been pushed from behind, only realizing later it was the impact of the lightning that hit Awae, who was behind him.

"I could only watch the deceased lying stiffly and could do nothing. When it happened, I felt like someone pushed me from behind before falling. "Actually, it was the impact of the lightning strike that hit the deceased who was behind me," Zulkifli told Utusan Malaysia.

Utusan Malaysia previously reported that the match turned tragic when Yala FC player Sofwan Awae, from Narathiwat, was confirmed dead at the scene. Approximately 11 other players sustained injuries, including Mohamad Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli and Somchai Longmihna, 25, among others.

Sungai Golok District Police Chief Thun Sirikhunt stated that initial investigations indicated heavy rain and strong winds preceded the lightning strike. The bolt hit the center of the field while the game was in progress. Sofwan, playing for Abu Nong Sirin, collapsed instantly, while the other injured players also suffered from the electrical discharge.

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I could only watch the deceased lying stiffly and could do nothing. When it happened, I felt like someone pushed me from behind before falling. Actually, it was the impact of the lightning strike that hit the deceased who was behind me.