Thailand will be without strikers Adisak Kraisorn and Kirati Kaewsombut when they face the Philippines in the second leg of their AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
Kiatisak Senamuang
The first leg in Manila on Saturday ended in a scoreless draw with Adisak sent off after coming on from the bench to replace Kirati, who was injured in the first half.
Thailand coach Kiatisak Senamuang confirmed yesterday that Kirati has been ruled out for Wednesday's match at Rajamangala National Stadium, while Adisak is suspended.
"Kirati and Adisak will not be available for the second leg,'' said Kiatisak, who still has four other forwards in Sompong Soleb, Chainarong Tathong, Mongkol Totsakrai and Sarawut Masuk.
"We are sorry that we could not get a win in Manila. But we did our best, particularly after we were reduced to 10 men when Adisak was sent off [in the 68th minute]."
Saturday's match was played on artificial turf and Kiatisak believes that playing on natural grass at Rajamangala will make his men feel more comfortable.
"We are ready for the second leg," he said. "We are confident that we will win and qualify for the final."
Last night, Vietnam fought back to beat Malaysia 2-1 in the first leg of the other Suzuki Cup semi-final in Shah Alam.
Malaysia, the hosts, went ahead in the 14th minute when Mohammad Safiq Rahim converted a penalty but Vo Huy Toan equalised in the 32nd.
Then, in the second half, Nguyen Van Quyet scored the winner for Vietnam, ensuring his team take an important advantage — as well as two away goals — into the second leg.