Thai coach: A learning experience

MANILA, Philippines - Thailand coach Kiatisuk “Zico” Senamuang considered the goal-less draw with the Philippine Azkals as a “learning experience” for his wards, especially considering the circumstances.

Virtually untouchable during the group stages, the War Elephants found themselves under heavy pressure from a determined Azkals side. Worse, Adisak Kraisom, who came in after starting striker Kirati Keawsombut went out with hamstring injury, lost his cool and elbowed Phl defender Amani Aguinaldo to the face, leading to a red card that left the Thais with 10 men going to the last 22 minutes.

“It’s not easy for us. The Philippine team is a very strong team and works hard.  And this is football, you can’t expect winning everytime,” said Senamuang, who won the Asean title thrice as a player.

“My players are still young, too; they just came from the Asian Games. Today they learned from the experience. Adisak learned from the red card, our team learned to play with 10 men,” added the mentor, who steered this same squad to fourth in Incheon.

Senamuang admitted they were thrown off by the ejection of Adisak, an impact player off the bench.

“The red card made it difficult for our team and we can’t follow our tactic,” he said.

Adisak will sit out the Bangkok leg as a result of the infraction while injured Kirati is also doubtful.