U22 Thailand secures a place in the next round, U22 Vietnam's opponent in the semi-finals is determined.

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - U22 Thailand won 3-0 against U22 Singapore. With this result, the "War Elephants" secured their place in the next round with 6 points. U22 Vietnam will face U22 Philippines in the semi-finals.

Thailand U22 unexpectedly sent 7 players back to their clubs while the SEA Games were underway.

The 7 players returned by coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul to the clubs include Kakana Khamyok (Muangthong United), Thanakrit Chotimueangpak (Buriram United), Chanaphat Buaphan (BG Pathum United), Chanon Thamma (BG Pathum United), Sittha Boonla (Port Authority FC), Thanawut Phochai (Nong Bua Pitchaya FC) and Thawatchai Inprakon (Singha Chiang Rai United).

What is more remarkable is that after returning these 7 players to their home clubs in the Thai-League, the Thai U22 team has only 14 players left. Two players who have not played for the Thai U22 team at the 33rd SEA Games, despite being on the list, are Waris Chuthong (BG Pathum United) and Seksan Ratri (Rayong FC).

Both of the above mentioned wingers are Thai national team players. Seksan Ratri was elected as the captain of the Thai U22 team at this year's SEA Games.

The reason why the young Thai football team had to return 7 players to Thai-League clubs was because during the SEA Games, the Thai national championship was still taking place.

What is more remarkable is that after returning these 7 players to their home clubs in the Thai-League, the Thai U22 team has only 14 players left. Two players who have not played for the Thai U22 team at the 33rd SEA Games, despite being on the list, are Waris Chuthong (BG Pathum United) and Seksan Ratri (Rayong FC).

Both of the above mentioned wingers are Thai national team players. Seksan Ratri was elected as the captain of the Thai U22 team at this year's SEA Games.

The reason why the young Thai football team had to return 7 players to Thai-League clubs was because during the SEA Games, the Thai national championship was still taking place.

The Southeast Asian Games are outside the FIFA competition system, outside the FIFA Days calendar (days when FIFA allows teams around the world to gather players from clubs to do international duty). Because of that, once the clubs request, U22 Thailand has no right to keep its players at the SEA Games.

Furthermore, coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul is confident in releasing the U22 Thailand players back to their clubs this week, because in their opening match, U22 Thailand defeated U22 Timor Leste 6-1 on December 3rd.

The above result, combined with Timor Leste's shocking 3-1 win over Singapore last night (December 6), has given Thailand U22 a huge advantage. If they only draw with Singapore U22, or even lose by a small margin to the Lion Island team on December 11, Thailand U22 will top Group A and advance to the semi-finals.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/u22-thai-lan-gianh-ve-di-tiep-u22-viet-nam-xac-dinh-doi-thu-o-ban-ket-20251211184849447.htm