Task is tough but we have the experience, says Kiatisak
National coach Kiatisak Senamuang hopes four-time champions Thailand will get the better of Myanmar as they left for the Asean Championship semi-final first leg in Yangon on Sunday.
Thailand, the joint most successful country in the biennial tournament along with Singapore, made a solid, if unspectacular, start to its title defence by completing the group stage campaign with a perfect record to qualify as Group A winners.
Up next is Myanmar, who needed a dramatic winner a minute from time to beat 2014 finalists Malaysia 1-0 in their final group match to snatch the runners-up spot in Group B at the Malaysians’ expense.
Former national striker Kiatisak, who steered the country to the regional crown two years ago to add to the three he won during his playing days, insisted his men could ill afford to be complacent against the Burmese.
“We can’t be overconfident. Myanmar has many young players and they’re strong at home. So, it’s quite a tough task for us even though we have more experience. We need to be careful about every detail. If we could beat them away first, it will make us feel a bit more relaxed in the second leg.
“Playing in front of their own fans could give Myanmar players the extra vigour that make them run tirelessly throughout the 90 minutes. But, we know they’re inferior in terms of experience and not good at controlling the ball. We’ll try to attack. At regional level, we’ll not just defend,” the 43-year-old told reporters before boarding a flight to Yangon.
Captain and striker Teerasil Dangda, who has not won the Asean title, reiterated that his priority was to help the team retain the title despite leading the tournament’s scoring charts with three goals from two games he played.
“I never tasted success in this event so I am quite keen to achieve it. Everyone is determined to win the title. In fact, I am not focusing on becoming the top scorer. My task is to help the team win. Hopefully, we could claim at least a draw in the first game,” said the Muangthong United forward.
Thailand are due to take on Myanmar in the semi-final first leg at Thuwanna Stadium on December 4 before hosting the return leg at Rajamangala National Stadium four days later.
