Pipob warns of complacency

Pipob warns of complacency

Pipob On-mo PR
Pipob On-mo PR

Coach Pipob On-mo has warned his team against underestimating the other sides in their first-round group for the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Thailand.

The official draw for the 16-team finals was held in Bangkok yesterday to divide the qualifying countries into four groups.

The U17 event, which will take place from June 15-July 2, will see the top four sides seal their places in the Fifa U17 World Cup in Peru in November.

Hosts Thailand, who won the tournament in 1998, will have Malaysia, Laos and Yemen for company in Group A.

Two-time champions South Korea were drawn with Iran, Afghanistan and Qatar in an exciting Group B, with Iran and Qatar also having won the title once each previously.

Tajikistan, the 2018 runners-up, will face a challenging Group C with Australia, Saudi Arabia and China PR drawn -- both two-time winners -- with them.

Japan, the 2018 champions and three-time winners, will face India, Vietnam and Uzbekistan in Group D.

Thailand U17 coach Pipob On-mo said after the draw that the hosts had been placed in a balanced group.

"We are drawn in a group in which each side is equally capable," he said.

"We cannot underestimate Malaysia and Laos and also Yemen and we'll just have to perform at our best.

"We have been planning and preparing for this tournament for a long time and have scouted the best players from all regions of the country. There will be many new faces in our squad.

"We have to do our best as the hosts of the tournament. We know it won't be easy for us."

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