BEC Tero Sasana midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin is hoping to help three-time champions Thailand end their 12-year wait for the Asean Championship (AFF Suzuki Cup) when they play Malaysia in the first leg of the final at Rajamangala National Stadium tomorrow.
The 21-year-old has played a starring role in the Thais' unbeaten run to the final of the biennial tournament, scoring the crucial opening goal in the 3-0 victory over the Philippines in last Wednesday's semi-final second leg to set up a meeting with 2010 winners Malaysia.
The Thai team's sizzling run of four wins and a draw has triggered nationwide football fever. Fans packed Rajamangala Stadium to witness Thailand hammer the Philippines, while tickets for the Malaysian fixture at home were sold out within hours of going on sale on Friday.
Having made a seamless transition to the top level after playing a stellar role in the under-23 side's decent run at the recent Asian Games, Chanathip is delighted to be helping the Thai side win back supporters who had drifted away after years of underachievement by the national team.
"I never thought the hype would be this high. It shows we have been able to win the faith of the fans again. Personally, I'm happy to be playing a part in developing the sport in the country.
"I will do all that I can to repay our supporters by winning the championship. I have total faith in the team's potential. I think we're strong enough to reclaim the trophy after a 12-year wait," said Chanathip, one of the key performers when Thailand equalled their best result at the Asian Games by claiming fourth spot in South Korea in September.
Meanwhile, busy national team coach Kiatisak Senamuang apologised to his daughter on his Facebook page yesterday after he couldn't make it to a Bangkok Dance Academy ceremony where she was being presented with a gymnastics award. He explained he was preoccupied with the team's preparations for tomorrow's match, where Thailand will begin their bid for a fourth title, to equal Singapore as the tournament's most successful team.
BEC Tero Sasana midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin is hoping to help three-time champions Thailand end their 12-year wait for the Asean Championship (AFF Suzuki Cup) when they play Malaysia in the first leg of the final at Rajamangala National Stadium tomorrow.
The 21-year-old has played a starring role in the Thais' unbeaten run to the final of the biennial tournament, scoring the crucial opening goal in the 3-0 victory over the Philippines in last Wednesday's semi-final second leg to set up a meeting with 2010 winners Malaysia.
The Thai team's sizzling run of four wins and a draw has triggered nationwide football fever. Fans packed Rajamangala Stadium to witness Thailand hammer the Philippines, while tickets for the Malaysian fixture at home were sold out within hours of going on sale on Friday.
Having made a seamless transition to the top level after playing a stellar role in the under-23 side's decent run at the recent Asian Games, Chanathip is delighted to be helping the Thai side win back supporters who had drifted away after years of underachievement by the national team.
"I never thought the hype would be this high. It shows we have been able to win the faith of the fans again. Personally, I'm happy to be playing a part in developing the sport in the country.
"I will do all that I can to repay our supporters by winning the championship. I have total faith in the team's potential. I think we're strong enough to reclaim the trophy after a 12-year wait," said Chanathip, one of the key performers when Thailand equalled their best result at the Asian Games by claiming fourth spot in South Korea in September.
Meanwhile, busy national team coach Kiatisak Senamuang apologised to his daughter on his Facebook page yesterday after he couldn't make it to a Bangkok Dance Academy ceremony where she was being presented with a gymnastics award. He explained he was preoccupied with the team's preparations for tomorrow's match, where Thailand will begin their bid for a fourth title, to equal Singapore as the tournament's most successful team.
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