Do-or-die battle for War Elephants

Thailand can't afford another slip tonight

- TOR CHITTINAND

Thailand coach Masatada Ishii, right, addresses the pre-match press conference yesterday.

Thailand take on Taiwan in a crucial Group D battle of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifying campaign tonight, knowing they cannot afford to drop any more points.

The match will kick off at 7.30pm at Bangkok's Rajamangala Stadium.

Since their 3-1 defeat at the hands of Turkmenistan in their second Group D match, Thailand have been left with the uphill task of winning their remaining group games.

The away loss pushed Thailand down to second place in the group with three points from two games. They had earlier beaten Sri Lanka 1-0 in their opening match.

Turkmenistan top the standings with a perfect six points.

Only the winners of the six groups in the qualifying tournament will advance and join the 18 countries that have already booked their spots in the finals in Saudi Arabia.