The quarter-final, first leg ties in the AFC Cup, Asian football's second-tier competition, were
played today.
The first match of the day saw Iraqi side Arbil Sports Club take a crucial 2-1 lead from
Indonesian outfit Persipura Jayapura who had home advantage today but didn't make the most of
it.
Phaitoon Thiabma, who enjoyed a couple of spells with Persijap in the Indonesia Super League, has
been called up by new Thai coach Winnie Schaefer ahead of their opening World Cup Qualifiers.
Missing from the squad is the Thai Premier League's Sarayut Chaikamdee. I watched Thailand during
last years AFF Cup and often felt their game lacked its normal fluidity by having the relativley
static Sarayut as a target man.
(CONTINUED FROM PART ONE)
It is a form of gratitude that he want to repay those who believe in him in the first place that
center-back felt Thailand is the place to be.
"It was while training with Chonburi FC that I told them I wanted to play there and with their help
I was able to play for Ban Bueng FC, whose owner is also the brother of the Chonburi FC's owner.
THE QUARTER-FINALS (September 13 and 27)
Persipura Jayapura (Indonesia) vs Arbil (Iraq)
Chonburi FC (Thailand) vs Nasaf (Uzbekistan)
Kuwait SC (Kuwait) vs Muong Thong United (Thailand)
Al Wehdat (Jordan) vs Duhok (Iraq)
SEMI-FINALS (October 4 and 18)
Winner of QF2 and Winner of QF4
Winner of QF1 and Winner of QF3
FINAL (October 29)
Winner of SF 1 vs Winner of SF 2
Gonna be tough for the local lads is my succinct comment!
(This entry is formulated with extracts from the press release issued by the Football Association
of Singapore)
(Pictured above) The result of the draw
Defending champions Bangkok Glass confirmed the earlier quibbles of not coming back to defend the
RHB Singapore Cup they won last year, while last season's runners-up Tampines Rovers will face
Geylang United in a "eastern derby" showdown.
Goalkeepers: Ukrit Wongmeema (Buriram FC), Kawin Thamsatchanan (Muang Thong)
Defenders: Komkrit Camsokchuerk (Roi Et), Theeratorn Boonmatan (Buriram-PEA), Chalermsuk Kaewsuktae
(Chainat FC), Todsapol Lated (Thai Port FC)
Midfielders: Sujarit Jantakul (Sriracha FC), Seeket Madputeh (Pattaya United), Supakorn Prompinit
(Sriracha FC), Pokklaw A-Nan (Police Uited) Phuritad Jarikanon (Chonburi FC), Niranrit Jarernsuk
(Pattaya United), Attapong Nooprom (Sriracha FC), Weerawut Kayem (Muang Thong)
Strikers: Chayanan Pombuppha (Police Uited), Patchaya Narach (n/a), Krirkrit Thaweekarn (Sriracha
FC), Thanat Jantaya (Air Force United)
They play Palestine next week after friendlies against Malaysia and Pakistan.
