Thailand U-22 Sittichok Kannoo has been eager to face Indonesia in SEA Games final rather than hosts Malaysia, as reported by the New Straits Times.
The Thai Honda Ladkrabang striker said that he was not interested in squaring off with Ong Kim Swee’s squad, whom he deems are inferior to Indonesia.
“We want to meet Indonesia in the final because they are a better team than Malaysia,” he told reporters ahead of the semi-final clash against Malaysia on Saturday evening.
“The Malaysian backline is fragile. Their strikers are also ineffective, especially when facing stronger sides such as Indonesia.
“We also beat Malaysia before (3-0) at the AFC Cup U-23 qualifiers in Bangkok, last month.
“In fact, even in the Sea Games group matches, you can see the porous nature of the Malaysian defence.
“This is in stark contrast with Indonesia, who we think are the best Southeast Asian side at the moment. We’ve met them twice at the AFC Cup qualifiers and in the Sea Games group matches; both ended in a tie.
“So my pick is Indonesia for us to meet in the final, provided we beat Myanmar later,” he added.
On the same day, Indonesia will progress their gold medal hunt at the semi-final showdown against old rivals Malaysia in Shah Alam Stadium.