THAILAND coach Kiatisuk Senamuang has named a youthful team comprising a majority of his Incheon Asian Games squad, for the AFF Cup in Singapore.
The regional giants achieved the last of their three triumphs in 2002 with Singapore the most successful team with four titles.
Kiatisuk was appointed national coach last month after his successful spell with the Under-23 side, who regained the Sea Games gold medal last year and reached the semi-finals in Incheon.
Among the players from the Asian Games squad picked for the AFF Cup are Adisak Kraisorn, Charyl Chappuis, Nurul Sriyankem, Chanathip Songkrasin and Kawin Thamasatchanan.
Kirati Kaewsombut and captain Adul Lasoh were also included but there was no place for defender Theerathon Bunmathan, midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao and striker Teerasil Dangda, who has not been released by his Spanish club Almeria.
Thailand are brimming with confidence following a 2-0 win over New Zealand in a recent friendly and Kiatisuk believes his team can win the title.
Kiatisuk’s side will open their Group B campaign against Singapore on Sunday, followed by Malaysia (Nov 26) and Myanmar (Nov 29)
“Our target is to regain the AFF Cup. I had limited time with the team but I believe we can go far following some good results,” Kiatisuk told Bangkok Post yesterday.
“Singapore will have home ground advantage but playing at home could give you extra pressure. I think we can get a result against Singapore.”
Thailand squad — Goalkeepers: Kawin Thammasatchanan, Chanin Sae-Eae.
Defenders: Chayapat Kitpongsritada, Suttinan Phuk-hom, Narubodin Weerawatnodom, Tanaboon Kesarat, Artit Daosawang, Peerapat Notchaiya, Adisorn Promrak, Pravinwat Boonyong.
Midfielders: Adul Lahso, Chanathip Songkrasin, Kroekrit Thaweekarn, Sarach Yooyen, Mongkol Tossakrai, Sarawut Masuk, Charyl Chappuis, Prakit Deeporm.
Strikers: Kirati Keawsombut, Sompong Soleb, Adisak Kraisorn, Chainarong Tathong. By Ajitpal Singh