Kiatisak ready to make changes to Thai side
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Thailand's under-23 team coach Kiatisak "Zico" Senamuang plans to ring in changes to the side in the final group match against Cambodia today in the 27th SEA Games in Myanmar.
Thailand are already assured of a place in the semi-finals of the men’s soccer competition after salvaging a 1-1 draw against the hosts. It was the first time in four years for the Kingdom, courtesy of Praweenwat Boonyong’s early second-half strike.
The result kept the Thai side – the most successful team in the tournament’s history – at the top of Group B. They were level on seven points with Myanmar after three matches and have a better head-to-head record against third-placed Indonesia, who have four points.
That leaves Myanmar and 2011 champions Indonesia fighting for the remaining qualification spot in the group’s other match today. Thailand, who suffered back-to-back group-stage exits in the previous two editions, look certain to finish on top of the group as they take on a winless Cambodia.
The 40-year-old Kiatisak, who helped the country win four SEA Games titles during his glittering playing career, is ready to make wholesale changes to his side including those players who were one booking away from being suspended for the semi-final tie.
“We’ll reshuffle the team against Cambodia for sure,” said Kiatisak. “Those who are at risk of incurring suspension for the semi-final match would be left out of the team. In-form striker Pokklaw Anan, Sakolwach Sakolla and Theerathon Bunmathan would get a rest.
“I don’t think we would have it easy against Cambodia. I’m confident the lads will play a good game. All 20 players in the team are equally good. The changes we made would not disrupt the balance of the team. We’ll play to win as always but I instruct the players to try to avoid either yellow or red cards,” said Kiatisak.
The statistics are heavily in favour of the Thai side, who are yet to suffer a loss against the Cambodians in their previous eight encounters in the tournament with seven wins and one draw.
Channel 5 will televise the match live from 4.30pm.
MEDAL TABLE
G S B
Thailand 43 36 38
Myanmar 36 30 33
Vietnam 35 32 41
Indonesia 31 44 41
Malaysia 20 15 35
Singapore 15 12 21
Philippines 7 12 17
Cambodia 4 6 11
Laos 2 5 18
Brunei 1 1 4
Timor Leste 0 0 1
NOTE: Last updated 6pm, December 15
