KUALA LUMPUR (14 August 2017) – THE hunt for SEA Games football gold begins on Monday (14 Aug) with Thailand focussing their sights on completing a hattrick and winning the gold medal after consecutive victories in Myanmar and Singgapore in 2013 and 2015 respectively.
The 15-time winner of SEA Games however is aware of the threats from host Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore, the major contenders in Asean football. Even minnows like the Philippines, Timor Leste, Cambodia , Brunei and Laos are capable of turning the tables on the champions after being exposed to high level competitions in the region for quite some time.
Thailand’s U-22 Manager, Watanya Wongopasi declared: “We came with the mission of winning the gold medal, nothing less. We’ve made detailed preparations prior to coming here in KL,” she said.
“The bulk of our team are players from the Thai League and they have been exposed extensively in the organisation of multi-sports event. The Under-23 football competition made its debut in the Games in 1989 and has since been dominating the regional football with sixth titles won in 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2013 and 2015.
Group A
Monday , 14 August:
Myanmar vs Singapore (Stadium Selayang) 4.00 pm
Malaysia vs Brunei (Stadium Shah Alam) 8.45 pm.
Group B
15 August:
Thailand vs Indonesia (Stadium Shah Alam) 4 pm
Vietnam vs Timor Leste (Stadium Selayang) 4 pm
Cambodia vs Philippines (Stadium Selayang) 8.45 pm
