Latest news with #AseanU23Championship
Bangkok Post
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Bangkok Post
Coach urges U23 stars to stay sharp for tourneys
Thailand U23 national team returned from Indonesia after claiming third place at the Asean U23 Championship in Jakarta. The team, coached by Thawatchai Dumrong-ongtrakul, lost a penalty shootout against hosts Indonesia in the semi-finals before beating the Philippines 3-1 in a third-place playoff match on Monday. "I would like to thank everyone who played in the Asean U23 Championship. As we all know this is my first tournament as the national head coach. Throughout the tournament I got to learn about all the players. It was a great time spent together," said Thawatchai after the team arrived late on Wednesday. "It was a pity that we could not reach our goal of winning the tournament. But of course, there are a lot more important tournaments coming up such as the AFC U23 Championship qualifying round in September and, most importantly, the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand in December. "Some players will make the team in these tournaments and some may not, so I would like every player continue to work hard, especially when they are with their clubs. They have to try to have as much game time as possible and maintain their fitness. "For those who do not make the team for the next tournament, just keep working hard because my staff will continue to monitor your form for future tournaments," he added. The U23 team will next take part in the AFC U23 Championship qualifiers with the Thais hosting Malaysia, Lebanon and Mongolia for the Group F battles from Sept 1-9 at BG Stadium.
Bangkok Post
25-07-2025
- Sport
- Bangkok Post
Thailand's U23 footballers ready for hostile crowd test, eye final spot
Thailand will take on hosts Indonesia in the semi-finals of the Asean U23 Championship (Mandiri Cup) at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Friday night. Head coach Thawatchai Dumrong-ongtrakul admitted his players did not impress with their performance in the group stage, which saw the team beat Timor Leste 4-0 and draw 0-0 with Myanmar. "We won Group C in the preliminary round, but our form was not that good and there are many things we need to improve and adjust," said Thawatchai during a pre-match press conference on Thursday. "I think the players will perform better in the semi-final against Indonesia. We have come this far in the tournament and we must be ready both mentally and physically to face a good team like Indonesia." He continued, "Indonesia are a good team. We expect a lot of home fans in the stadium for tomorrow's [today's] match and I know the players will be under a lot of pressure but it will be a good experience for all of them. If they come through this match, they will be stronger in future international tournaments," he added. Team captain Seksan Ratree said, "I am very happy that the team qualified for the semi-finals and as the coach said our form is still not good enough and we hope that tomorrow [today] will be a good day for our team." Vietnam and the Philippines will face off in the other semi-final. The match between Thailand and Indonesia will kick off at 8pm and will be live on Thai Rath TV, BG Sports, AIS Play and True Visions Now.
The Star
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Vietnam footballers target third straight Asean U23 title
HANOI: Coach Kim Sang-sik is hoping to win his first trophy with the young squad as Vietnam will begin their defence of the Asean U23 Mandiri Cup title on July 19 in Jakarta, Indonesia. 'I am happy to be by Vietnam's side in this tournament. Vietnam have won this championship twice, which puts a little pressure on my players, but we have worked hard for the best result," said Kim in a press conference on July 15. "My players are asked to be hardworking and focused, ensuring a good level of fitness and sharp tactical minds. We treat every match like a final and aim to win them all." Kim signed a two-year contract with the Vietnam Football Federation last May, and led the senior side to the Asean Championship title in January. It is the first time that the South Korean will lead the young squad, and he is looking to enjoy more success. 'They are younger, more enthusiastic, and listen carefully to instructions. Over the past two weeks of training, I have seen that they are quick learners who have built a good team and show great passion and motivation. I look forward to seeing them improve with each match," he said. 'We have set a target of earning the top place in this tournament. The performance of our young players depends on our preparation and spirit. For me, all rivals should be respected, and we need to prepare well.' As the reigning champions, Vietnam are considered at a higher level compared to Laos and Cambodia, which have games scheduled on July 19 and 22, respectively. Vietnam are widely expected to progress to the semi-finals. Kim expects a much tougher for his side in the knock-out stage. He confirmed that hosts Indonesia and former winners Thailand are Vietnam's main rivals in their push to win a third consecutive title in the tournament, which takes place from July 15 to 29. 'From what I know and have observed, Thailand and Indonesia have always been strong contenders,' said the former international defender. 'Thailand stand out with their technique and solid organisation, while Indonesia impress with their physical strength and speed. Matches against them are always intense and competitive, so we need to prepare thoroughly.' In winning the last two editions of the Asean U23 Championship, Vietnam have locked horns with both rivals. They edged Thailand 1-0 in the 2021 final before overcoming Indonesia in a penalty shootout two years ago following a goalless draw in the final. While Kim wants his side to continue their proud tradition in the tournament, he is also careful not to add pressure on his young players. 'Winning back-to-back Asean U23 Championships is a source of pride for us. However, rather than putting ourselves under too much pressure, we want to focus on giving our best in every match,' said the 48-year-old. 'I encourage the players to view this tournament as an opportunity to grow and develop, rather than solely aiming for achievements. In my opinion, the results will naturally follow from that process. 'This tournament is not just about competing for the title. It allows us to assess each player's capabilities and to utilise different combinations to enhance our tactical cohesion. For young players, it's also a valuable chance to gain international match experience.' Thailand, who will kick off their tournament on July 19 against Timor Leste, plan to overthrow Vietnam this time. Coach Thawatchai Dumrongongtrakun said his side is aiming for the trophy, despite strong opponents. "This is my first time leading the U23 team, but I have full confidence in the players' ability and spirit. I completely believe that this team are capable of winning the championship," he said. "Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia are serious rivals, but if we can overcome the group round and study them well, I believe that Thailand will be champions." In Group C, Thailand are the top candidate for the top position, but Thawatchai warned his players not to be overconfident. He said he considers this regional tournament as a stepping stone to prepare for bigger playgrounds in the future. Group A's first matches were held on July 15. Indonesia trounced Brunei 8-0, while Malaysia suffered a surprise 0-2 defeat to the Philippines. - Vietnam News/ANN
Bangkok Post
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Bangkok Post
Thawatchai sets sights on elusive SEA Games football gold
New Thailand U23 national team coach Thawatchai Dumrong-ongtrakul has vowed to end the Kingdom's eight-year barren run at the SEA Games in December this year. Thawatchai was speaking to the media after the national youth team reported for a training camp on Wednesday to prepare for the Asean U23 Championship in Indonesia. Thailand are scheduled to play their first game of the regional event against Timor Leste on July 19 followed by a clash with Myanmar three days later. Thawatchai has replaced Japanese coach Takayuki Nishikaya, whose contract was terminated earlier this month after the Thai U23 side lost all of their five matches during his nine-month reign. "We don't have much time to prepare for the tournament in Indonesia, but we will do our best," said Thawatchai, a former Thailand international. "Our most important assignments this year will be the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers in September and the SEA Games in December in Thailand. "Our first task will be to try our best to qualify for the 2026 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia." Thailand will host the Group F games of the September event, taking on Malaysia, Lebanon and Mongolia. Thawatchai added: "We have not won the SEA Games gold medal since 2017 when we last triumphed in Malaysia. We must win the title this time. "Once again, our main opponents at the SEA Games will be Vietnam. Indonesia will also be among the contenders for the gold medal in December." Meanwhile, PTT Public Company Limited has presented a cheque of 25 million baht to the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) to support its activities. FAT president Nualphan Lamsam received the first half of the annual sponsorship from PTT Executive Vice President for Corporate Reputation and Social Responsibility Meena Supavivat at a ceremony on Wednesday.
Bangkok Post
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Bangkok Post
Coach Thawatchai set sights on elusive SEA Games gold
New Thailand U23 national team coach Thawatchai Dumrong-ongtrakul has vowed to end the Kingdom's eight-year barren run at the SEA Games in December this year. Thawatchai was speaking to the media after the national youth team reported for a training camp on Wednesday to prepare for the Asean U23 Championship in Indonesia. Thailand are scheduled to play their first game of the regional event against Timor Leste on July 19 followed by a clash with Myanmar three days later. Thawatchai has replaced Japanese coach Takayuki Nishikaya, whose contract was terminated earlier this month after the Thai U23 side lost all of their five matches during his nine-month reign. "We don't have much time to prepare for the tournament in Indonesia, but we will do our best," said Thawatchai, a former Thailand international. "Our most important assignments this year will be the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers in September and the SEA Games in December in Thailand. "Our first task will be to try our best to qualify for the 2026 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia." Thailand will host the Group F games of the September event, taking on Malaysia, Lebanon and Mongolia. Thawatchai added: "We have not won the SEA Games gold medal since 2017 when we last triumphed in Malaysia. We must win the title this time. "Once again, our main opponents at the SEA Games will be Vietnam. Indonesia will also be among the contenders for the gold medal in December." Meanwhile, PTT Public Company Limited has presented a cheque of 25 million baht to the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) to support its activities. FAT president Nualphan Lamsam received the first half of the annual sponsorship from PTT Executive Vice President for Corporate Reputation and Social Responsibility Meena Supavivat at a ceremony on Wednesday.
