AFC
Bangkok
Thailand head coach Masatada Ishii is unperturbed by the absence of Chanathip Songkrasin and Teerasil Dangda from the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, saying it is an opportunity for other players to shine.
Chanathip and Teerasil have been instrumental to Thailand in recent years, having played key roles in the War Elephants’ run into the Round of 16 in the 2019 edition but injuries have ruled both out of Qatar 2023.
“It’s sad not having Chanathip and Teerasil who are injured. I don’t know if it will have any effect or not, but it’s an opportunity for the 26 players to prove themselves,” said Ishii to local media.
“We have a warm-up game with the Thai national team U23 and will focus on conditioning fitness and tactics.
“Our goal (in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023) is to advance as far as possible.”
With the key duo absent, Thailand’s challenge will be led by the likes of Supachok Sarachat who currently play for J1 League sides Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo with the forwardline manned by Supahanat Mueanta, who only recently bagged his first goal in European top flight football, scoring for OH Leuven in the Belgian First Division.
Thailand will travel to Doha on Thursday ahead of their opening Group F encounter against Kyrgyz Republic on January 16 at Abdulla Bin Khalifa Stadium.
