Coach Ishii: 'We are ready for Turkmenistan battle'

Thailand and Turkmenistan face off tonight in a key Group D clash of the qualifiers for the 2026 AFC Asian Cup with the winners almost certain to seal a spot in the finals in Saudi Arabia.

- TOR CHITTINAND

Hosts Turkmenistan had a 2-1 win against Taiwan in March which left them at the top of the group on goal difference with Thailand lying in second place after edging Sri Lanka 1-0.

Thailand are fresh from their 2-0 victory over India in a Fifa Day friendly on Wednesday in Bangkok.

The winners of the six groups in the qualifying tournament will join the 18 countries who have already qualified for the finals in Saudi Arabia.

Thailand coach Masatada Ishii told a pre-match press conference in Ashgabat yesterday that he tried some new players in the game against India and “I am happy we didn’t concede any goals in the match.