Zico targets 3 points against Timor-Leste

Having established a stranglehold on the biennial tournament by winning eight consecutive titles, the Thai side then suffered humiliating back-to-back group stage exits in the previous two editions. The debacles in Laos and Indonesia plunged the country into a long barren spell, with the 2007 SEA Games title in Nakhon Ratchasima being the last major international trophy the Thais won.

The Thai side, the most successful team in the history of the tournament, face a relatively easy route to redeem themselves this time, having been drawn in what seems a manageable group. Apart from hosts Myanmar, 2011 finalists Indonesia are the only other side considered direct rivals for the two qualifying spots on offer in Group B, which also includes Cambodia.

Although many consider Timor as the weakest opponents in the group, Kiatisak, who helped the country win four SEA Games titles during his stellar playing career, revealed he would field his strongest side in a bid to ensure they make a winning start to their campaign.

“Everyone in the team is ready for the Timor match tomorrow. We’ll field our best team and take the game to the opponents from the outset. We need to score the first goal as quickly as possible in order to take control. 

 “We must be clinical with our finishing and keep our focus throughout the match. Things might not go our way in the first game but we have no excuse should we fail to claim the three points. I’m aiming only for a win. It doesn’t matter for me how many goals we score tomorrow. I’m confident that my team can do that [win],” said the 40-year-old Kiatisak, who came off the bench to score the winning goal in Thailand’s 4-3 victory over Myanmar in the final match of the 17th SEA Games 20 years ago when he made his debut in the event.

Channel 3 and NBT Channel will televise the match live from 4.30pm.