Chanathip to lead Thai side in U23 event
Star midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin has been named captain of Thailand’s preOlympic team for the AFC U23 Championship in Doha next month.
The diminutive playmaker will lead Thailand against the likes of Saudi Arabia, Japan and North Korea in Group B. They will face Saudi Arabia in the first match on Jan 13, Japan three days later and North Korea in the final group match on Jan 19.
Group A consists of hosts Qatar, Syria, Iran and China. The tournament will kick off with the match between Syria and Iran on Jan 12.
Coach Kiatisak Senamuang said he expects the team to earn at least five points from the group stage and hopes that Thailand “will make it to the knockout stage”.
Most of the players reported for training yesterday but seven of them — from SCG Muang Thong United and Buriram United who are preparing for the FA Cup final — were absent. They will join the rest of the squad on Dec 27, a day after the match at Suphachalasai Stadium.
Thailand’s U19 captain Worachit Kanitsribumpen, from Chonburi FC, is currently training in Japan with FC Tokyo and will join the team on Dec 23.
The U23 team will play a warm-up match against Phayao tomorrow in Phayao before leaving for Kirin Valley training centre at Khao Yai on Monday. The team will jet off to Qatar on Jan 3.
THAILAND U23 SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Rattanai Songsangjan, Somporn Yod and Watchara Buatong
Defenders: Peerapat Notechaiya, Tristan Do, Adisorn Promrut, Suriya Singmui, Suphan Thongsong, Naruebodin Weerawatnodom, Suwannapat Kingkaew and Meechoke Mahasaranukul
Midfielders: Tanaboon Ketsarat, Chanathip Songkrasin, Totsawat Limwannasatien, Chaowat Weerachart, Thitiphan Puanjan, Kasidech Wechtayawong, Worachit Kanitsribumpen, Saharat Kanyaroj, Tanasit Siriphala and Pakorn Prempak
Forwards: Chayawat Srinawong, Pinyo Inpinit, Jetrop Sumpaodee and Nattawut Sombatyotha