KUALA LUMPUR: Myanmar coach Gerd Zeise has criticised organisers for the hectic football schedule as they play defending champions Thailand in the semi-finals at Selayang Stadium on Saturday.
Myanmar's schedule is tight in the group stage, where they have had one rest day in between three of four matches.
Nevertheless, Zeise's players will be fresh for the semi-finals as they had a four-day break after completing their group matches.
"Good to have four days of rest before tomorrow's game. We will be fresher than Thailand as they played on Thursday.
"Playing too many matches with little rest is unhealthy and dangerous for players," said Zeise at the pre-match press conference in Petaling Jaya.
Myanmar are hoping to make their first appearance in the final in 10 years, but Zeise says Thailand are favourites on Saturday.
"The Thais are the favourites... they have a good team, but we will try over best," Zeise added.
Myanmar’s last gold medal win in the Sea Games was achieved at the 1973 Singapore edition.
Thailand assistant coach Naruephon Kaenson, however, said Myanmar have the advantage.
"Their players have been training as a unit for a long time and furthermore, they have not played for the last four days.
"We are concerned with the players' condition due to lack of rest.
"However, we are confident and we will try our best to make the final for the third straight time," said Naruephon.