Chaba Kaew face Nadeshiko

The Thai women’s football team face a daunting task against Japan in their opening match today.

The other team in Group C are Vietnam who pipped Thailand on goal difference to win the gold medal at last year’s SEA Games after a round-robin competition.

In Group A are hosts Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan and the Maldives, while Group B features North Korea, China, Hong Kong and Tajikistan.

The top three teams of Group A and Group B advance to the knockout stages as do the top two sides of Group C.

“The first match against Japan will be a tough game for us. We have never beaten them, not even scored against them,’’ said Thailand manager Nualphan Lamsam.

“We hope to get a point although it is a very difficult task.”

Japan won the 2011 world title and are the reigning Asian champions. The Nadeshiko also claimed silver at the 2012 Olympics.

The Chaba Kaew will be led by ThaiAmerican forward Suchawadee Nildhamrong (Miranda Nild) who has returned from the US to help the team.

The other Thai players include captain and defender Sunisa Srangthaisong, Rattikan Thongsombut, midfielder Taneekarn Dangda, and striker Kanjana Sung-Ngoen.

However, goalkeeper Waraporn Boonsing is not in the squad due to injury.

Like their male compatriots, the Chaba Kaew have never won a medal at the Asian Games.

However, they made it to the 2015 Women’s World Cup and have again qualified for the 2019 finals.