Vietnamese audiences shouldn't miss this!

According to the schedule, Thailand will face Timor Leste in their opening match of Group A at 8 PM on December 8th at Hang Day Stadium (live on VTV Can Tho ). Because Timor Leste does not have a stadium that meets the standards of the Southeast Asian Football Federation (AFF), they have to rent a stadium in Vietnam.

On this trip to Vietnam, the Thai national team only has 16 players along with coach Masatada Ishii. Among them, the most outstanding player is Suphanat Mueanta. In the friendly match against Vietnam in September at My Dinh Stadium, which Thailand won 2-1, the 22-year-old striker scored the equalizer, before Patrik Gustavsson sealed the victory for Thailand.

The Thai team (right), despite missing several key players, is still a formidable force.

Meanwhile, other players such as defenders Suphanan Bureerat and Chalermsak Aukkee, midfielders Peeradon Chamratsamee and Worachit Kanitsribampen, and forward Teerasak Poeiphimai flew from Singapore, having just played with Port FC in an away match against Lion City Sailors, which they lost 2-5 in the final group stage match of the AFC Champions League Two.

Goalkeeper Kampol Pathomakkakul, defender Jonathan Khemdee, and Apisit Sorada joined the squad after playing Ratchaburi against Buriram United in a rescheduled Thai League 1 match on December 8th. The two players currently playing in Japan, Ekanit Panya (Urawa Red Diamonds) and Supachok Sarachat (Consadole Sapporo), joined on December 10th.

Regarding the lack of a full squad despite the tournament having already started, Mr. Ishii stated: "We were aware of this three months ago and have made plans to address it. We are focusing not only on Thai players of overseas origin but also on young players. After the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, we realized this is the time to find a new generation for the Thai national team. We are currently working on this."

Regarding the preparation for the opening match, coach Masatada Ishii shared: "We have been preparing for the tournament since December 2nd, and the players are now ready for the competition."

Meanwhile, Timor Leste coach Simon Elissetche said: "We have prepared thoroughly. In addition, we are in good shape. The whole team is trying their best for the opening match. We know we will face a strong opponent, ranked number one in Southeast Asia, but our team has good players and will strive for the game."

Revealing details about the squad for this tournament, coach Simon Elissetche said: "Our team is largely composed of players who play in the domestic league. In addition, there are 7 or 8 players who play in Cambodia, Brunei, or Indonesia..."

At 5 PM, the match between Cambodia and Malaysia in Group A will take place (live on VTV5).

Free tickets to watch matches at Hang Day Stadium.

The match between defending champions Thailand and Timor Leste at Hang Day Stadium ( Hanoi ) at 8 PM on December 8th and Timor Leste vs. Singapore on December 14th will have free admission.

It is understood that the plan to release tickets for the AFF Cup 2024 matches will be handled by the host country's football federation. However, the Timor Leste Football Federation, for various reasons, has no plans to sell tickets.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/mien-phi-ve-xem-thai-lan-ra-quan-o-hang-day-khan-gia-viet-nam-dung-bo-lo-185241207201429695.htm