Thai U-23 Coach Sets Six-Point Target for Asian Games
Thailand's U-23 football team targets six points from the Asian Games group stage in Nagoya, Japan, starting September 16 against Kyrgyzstan, despite missing some key players during the FIFA window.
Coach Wang Thawitchai Damrongongtrakulchai, head coach of Thailand's under-23 football team, has locked in a target of six points from the group stage of the Asian Games while awaiting the arrival of key players during the FIFA window. The squad reported for duty on September 7 at Thara Park Resorts Hotel to prepare before traveling to compete in men's football at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.
Coach Wang stated that the team's preparation is nearly 100 percent complete because the players have trained together before and are fit from their clubs' pre-season work. He acknowledged that the absence of some key players like Anan Nok-in, Kham-yak, and Seksarn Rathe—highly capable young talents who have been core members of the U-23 squad—will have some impact, but he views it positively as an opportunity for emerging players to step up and gain experience for the senior national team.
Regarding Yossakorn Booppha, Coach Wang explained that the player's club initially hesitated to release him since the tournament falls outside the FIFA window. However, recognizing Yossakorn's importance to both his club and the national team, and with limited time to develop new combinations, the coaching staff decided to include him now. The first match against Kyrgyzstan on September 16 is seen as crucial, and the team will carefully manage player workload across three group-stage matches to maximize success and advance past the opening round before the FIFA window allows for full squad reinforcement.
Coach Wang's goal for the group stage is to secure six points from the first two matches. If successful, the team will get the full squad during the FIFA window, though contingency plans exist if results fall short. The match against Kyrgyzstan is particularly important; Thailand previously faced them during a June FIFA window friendly and gathered intelligence from that encounter.
Forward Jeh-Hanafi Mamma said the team feels quite prepared, as players have continued training with their clubs. Playing with the senior national team in the AFF Cup has boosted his confidence and taught him much from senior teammates. While the squad may not be at full strength initially, he believes replacements can perform well given the team's shared training history and playing style built on transition play and tactical discipline.
