Thailand head coach Anthony Hudson don admit say im team face wahala after di draw for 2027 AFC Asian Cup put dem for Group F with four-time champions Japan, title-holder Qatar, and Indonesia.
Before di draw, everybody hope say Thailand go get easy group so dem fit reach later stages of di tournament. But we get very strong opponents, especially Qatar, di team wey I know personally well, and many people know how strong Japan be, Hudson tok as Thailand dey prepare for two friendly matches against Kuwait and China during di FIFA international window.
But I tink anything fit happen for world of football. Di most important tin be say if dem want perform well, dem must start preparing di right way beginning from dis camp, di Englishman add.
Meanwhile, Muang Thong United midfielder Kakana Khamyok express im delight after dem call am for first time by Hudson. I feel happy every time dem call me for national team. For dis camp I get chance to meet senior players and many new faces wey I admire, e tok.
Dis be my first time to work with coach Hudson and I go try learn di tactics from di coach. Thailand go play Kuwait at Pathum Thani Stadium on Friday before dem travel to China for second warm-up match on June 9 at Jinhua Sports Center Stadium and Kakana relish di challenge against strong opponents.
Both Kuwait and China be strong and I tink e good to face strong teams. I would love to get chance to play for both games and e go be challenge for me. Hopefully, di fans go come and cheer di team on June 5 when we play Kuwait, e add.
Di fixtures form part of Hudson build-up to di next phase of World Cup qualifying later dis year.
Thailand, wey dey rank 93rd for world, arrive for strong form. Di War Elephants don lose only once for dem last six matches, dem dey score plenty. Dem 2-2 draw with Kuwait on June 5 dey somewhat misleading; head coach Anthony Hudson rest some key players, give younger squad members valuable minutes. With full-strength side expected here, Thailand go fancy dem chances for positive result for Chinese soil.
Thailand recent form make di draw or away double chance a compelling selection. Di War Elephants don dey outstanding across dem last six fixtures, dem win five and draw one, while averaging well over three goals per match. Dat attacking potency stand for stark contrast to China PR inconsistent defensive record, even accounting for di hosts narrow victory over Singapore earlier dis week.
Head coach Anthony Hudson rest several key players for di Kuwait draw, suggesting say stronger starting eleven go take di pitch for Beijing. Defender Manuel Tom Behr acknowledge say China PR pose tougher challenge, yet Thailand squad depth and tactical flexibility under Hudson give dem genuine cause for confidence.
Di hosts, wey dey rank just one place below Thailand at 94th, lack di same momentum. Thailand superior goal output and settled squad structure tilt di balance, while China PR home advantage for low-stakes friendly carry less weight dan e go for competitive action. Backing di visitors not to lose look like sound approach.
