KUALA LUMPUR: While Thailand may be the outright favourites on paper, the 15-time champions are not taking Malaysia lightly in the battle for the 'mother of all gold medals' at the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games (KL2017) football final tomorrow.
Thailand assistant coach Naruephon Kaenson has urged his charges not to be overconfident as he believes both sides have an equal chance of winning the football gold at the Shah Alam Stadium.
Malaysia have lost to Thailand in their last three encounters, most recently a 3-0 defeat in the Asian Confederations Cup (AFC) under-23 qualifying in Bangkok last month.
"Winning our recent matches (against Malaysia) does not guarantee we will win in the final. A final is always different," said Naruephon at the pre-match press conference in Petaling Jaya today.
"The smartest team which commits the least mistakes will emerge the winners. This is why I do not want my players to be too comfortable.
"We need to play our usual game and should be careful not to follow our opponent's rhythm. Based on our preparations, I believe we will perform our best in the final".
Prior to the AFC competition, Malaysia lost 2-1 to Thailand in the final of the Nations Cup (June) and 3-0 at the Dubai Cup in March, both under German coach Frank Bernhardt.
Naruephon, however, stressed that Malaysia are a different side now.
"Malaysia now has a different coach (Ong Kim Swee) and their level of performance is also different. We have to be careful and stay focused throughout the match."
Thailand are hoping to clinch their third football gold in row having also won it at the 2013 Myanmar and 2015 Singapore games.
Translated from Harian Metro