Ashgabat: ‘Captain Jay’ Chanathip Songkrasin is set to lead the ‘Changsuek’ team against Turkmenistan in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers tonight.

According to Thai News Agency, Masatada Ishii, the head coach of the Thai national team, participated in a press conference ahead of the Group D match 2 of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Ishii stated that the Thai national team had prepared by playing against India and had incorporated new players into the squad. The team achieved a victory without conceding any goals. Regarding the challenge of playing on artificial turf, the team has made full preparations and selected the best players for this match. Ishii expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt and believes in their potential to replace one another effectively. Despite Turkmenistan having a new coach, Ishii expects little change in their playing system, which he described as fairly good. Nonetheless, he remains confident that the Thai team can secure points.

Following the press conference, Ishii led the “War Elephants” players in their final training session at the Ashgabat Stadium, the competition venue. The session focused on reviewing tactics, including offensive and defensive strategies, in preparation for the game, lasting for one hour.

For this match, Ishii is anticipated to deploy his key players with the objective of securing 3 points. The expected lineup includes goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai, right back Suphanan Burirat, left back Irfan Dolah, Elias Dolah and Shinnapat Leeaoh as the center pair, and midfielders Peeradon Chamratsamee and Worachit Kanitsribumphen to control the game. The forward line will feature “Jay” Chanathip Songkrasin, the team captain, along with Charoensak Wongkorn, Ekanit Panya, and Supachai Jaided as the main center forward.

The Thai national team is scheduled to face Turkmenistan at Ashgabat Stadium tonight at 10:00 p.m. Thai time.