The presence of these two stars from Japan helped Coach Masatada Ishii of the Thai team smile happily when meeting them at their station. Ekanit Panya and Suphachok Sarachat are the two most important factors of the “War Elephants” in their goal of defending the AFF Cup championship. They are also the last people on the list of 26 summoned players to be present.
With the addition of Ekanit Panya, the Thai team’s attack will be very strong at the AFF Cup. There is also Suphachok Sarachat who competes very talentedly
Previously, the Thai team played the first match in Group A AFF Cup 2024 against East Timor (winning with a record score of 10-0) at Hang Day Stadium (Hanoi) on December 8, with only 21 players. players, including 2 goalkeepers.
In this match, “War Elephants” won big, but suffered a loss with the player who opened the score and scored a double in the match, attacking midfielder Ben Davis, being injured and at risk of retiring for the rest of the group stage.
However, after the Thai team returned to the country to prepare for the next match against the Malaysian team at 8:00 p.m. on December 14 at Rajamangala Stadium, there were 3 notable additions including players from the Ratchaburi Club. Lately arriving to join forces were goalkeeper Kampol Pathomakkakul, defenders Jonathan Khemdee and Apisit Sorada.
These players gathered late because they were playing with Ratchaburi Club against Buriram United in round 15 of Thai League 1 on December 8. Meanwhile, two players from Japan have high expectations from coach Masatada Ishii. But both Ekanit Panya and Suphachok Sarachat had to wait for a nod from the parent club to join the Thai team.
Coach Masatada Ishii in the friendly match between the Thai team and the Vietnamese team in September
Suphachok Sarachat is playing for Consadole Sapporo Club, which has just been relegated from J.League 1 to J.League 2. This 26-year-old player is still under contract with the Japanese team until December 2027 and is valued at a transfer price of 840,000. USD (about 21.3 billion VND), according to page Transfermarkt.
As for Ekanit Panya, this 25-year-old player has just parted ways with Urawa Red Diamonds Club after 2 seasons playing in Japan’s highest league, ending his loan contract and returning to Muangthong United Club. The possibility of Ekanit Panya returning to Japan in the 2025 season is still being negotiated.
At this time, Ekanit Panya and Suphachok Sarachat return to play for the Thai team at the AFF Cup 2024. Thereby, they will definitely help “War Elephants” increase their strength significantly. These are the two most typical players of Thai football after the most recent generation played very successfully in Japan such as Chanathip Songkrasin or Theerathon Bunmathan…
