Warm-up tie set for Sept 3
Worawi Makudi has confirmed that Thailand will play a warm-up match against Afghanistan on Sept 3 before their crucial World Cup qualifier against Iraq five days later.
Afghanistan replaced the Philippines who had opted out of the match after failing to reach an agreement with Thailand on the venue.
The Sept 8 match against Iraq at Rajamangala National Stadium will be Thailand’s third in their Asia zone qualifying campaign. Thailand won their first two games against Vietnam (home) and Taiwan (away).
Worawi, president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), said: “After the Philippines cancellation, we had sent invitation letters to several Middle East teams and Afghanistan have shown interest in coming over to play with us.”
“It is good for the team and forms an important part of our preparations before the Iraq game,” he added.
Thailand head coach Kiatisak Senamuang was also pleased to have a warm-up match lined up against Afghanistan.
“To play a warm-up match with Afghanistan would be good for our team because we will play a team whose style of play is very close to that of Middle Eastern sides. Although Afghanistan are not a big team but at least it is better than not having any match at all.
“I think it will be a good preparation for the team before meeting Iraq.”