Despite a 1-2 loss in the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2024 final, Thai coach Masatada Ishii remains optimistic, revealing that Thailand has prepared for the possibility of a penalty shootout in the decisive second leg against Vietnam.

“I don’t think Thailand has any disadvantage compared to Vietnam. We will play the second leg at home, and we are ready for a penalty shootout scenario after extra time,” Ishii declared during the pre-match press conference.

The Japanese coach emphasized that he has carefully studied Vietnam’s strategy and will finalize the starting lineup to maximize Thailand’s chances of success.

Ishii admitted that Thailand is not fielding its strongest squad for the ASEAN Cup 2024, but he plans to bolster the team with quality players for upcoming competitions.

“After the ASEAN Cup, I will attend Thai League matches to scout and select the best talents for Thailand’s Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers,” Ishii said.

Ishii also addressed the absence of Akarapong Pumwisat, who sustained an injury during a heated encounter with Vietnam’s Nguyen Xuan Son in the first leg.

“I feel sorry for Akarapong; he’s an important player for us. Right now, he’s focused on recovering from his injury,” Ishii shared.

Thailand will face Vietnam in the second leg of the ASEAN Cup final at 8:00 PM on January 5 at Rajamangala Stadium, aiming to overturn their first-leg deficit and claim the title.

Dai Nam