AFF Suzuki Cup match between Thailand and Singapore. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
BOCAUE – Thailand is leaving no stones unturned in its quest for the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup crown.
Coach Kiatisuk Senamuang said that the War Elephants’ mindset hasn’t changed even if the team is already assured of advancing to the semifinals.
“Our team is forecasting three points every game to make it to the next round. We’re always playing with 100-percent effort,” he said.
READ: Thailand edges Singapore to reach Suzuki Cup semis
Thailand has a game left in the group stages—a face off against host country Philippines, which is hard-pressed to win all of its assignments after the draw versus Singapore.
“We need those three points,” said Kiatisuk of the Friday’s match versus the Filipinos.
Thailand secured a spot in the semis after a tough 1-0 victory over Singapore on Tuesday at Philippine Sports Stadium here thanks to a header at the 89th minute from forward Sarawat Masuk. That gave the Thais three points to lead Group A and secured them a spot in the next round.
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It was no walk in the park for War Elephants as the Lions proved tenacious on the defensive end for most of the match, save for that late game miscue.
“It was not an easy game. Before the game, we knew they had good defense and they played really good defense today against us,” he said. “Fortunately today, we controlled the game. It’s not easy to get a score from them.”
With the competition about the get tougher deep into the tournament, the Thais are looking at every step as an opportunity to improve.
“Not only do we want to play every game, we also want to work hard and continue working to the next step,” he said.