Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, will be present for the regional championship after traveling to Thailand to observe the building of FIFA’s new office.
On Monday at Thammasat Stadium, he will watch the second leg of the 2022 AFF Cup final between Thailand and Vietnam and present the trophy to the winner.
Defending champions Thailand will go into the second leg of the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup as the favourites after a thrilling 2-2 draw at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi on Friday
The match will be also broadcasted on MCOT HD and T Sport 7 channels.
Thais can enjoy AFF final match on big LED screens
MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2023
THE NATION
The AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup final will be broadcast on 60 large LED screens across Bangkok and 8 in other major cities on Monday, January 16, at 7.30 pm thanks to the collaboration between the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), the Football Association of Thailand under the Patronage of His Majesty the King (FA Thailand), and Plan B Media.
Being held in Vietnam’s Dinh National Stadium, the first leg ended in a 2-2 draw, with the defending champion having the advantage of two away goals.
The War Elephant will be a record-extending seventh champion in the regional championship if they can win the second match that took place at Thailand’s Thammasat Stadium.
SAT and FA Thailand are providing 60 big LED screens across Bangkok and eight in other major cities for Thai fans to watch their footballers taking on Vietnam in a final round.
Other 8 major cities with the LED screens include – Central Festival Chiangmai – Central Festival Hat Yai – Central Festival Phuketa – Central Plaza Suratthani – Central Festival Samui – CentralPlaza KhonKaen – Mittraphap Road’s intersection – Central Westgate
The match will be also broadcasted on MCOT HD and T Sport 7 channels.
Thais can enjoy AFF final match on big LED screens
Vietnam ready to face Thailand at AFF Cup second leg final
MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2023
The Vietnamese national football team is ready to face Thailand at the AFF Cup’s second leg final at the Thammasat Stadium tonight, knowing they face a tough task to be crowned winners.
After the first leg at the My Dình National Stadium finished 2-2, Vietnam must win or achieve a high-scoring draw at Thammasat to lift the trophy.
Coach Park Hang-seo said: “Vietnam will have one last game. It will not be an easy match with Thailand having a home advantage. I hope our team will be focused, disciplined and determined.
“We are the national team, representing the Vietnamese people. This is the time when we all need to unite for the colour of the national flag to bring glory to the country.”
Meanwhile, midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai said that the Vietnamese team will be at their very best in tonight’s decider.
“The 2-2 draw in the first leg final against Thailand is a valuable lesson for the Vietnamese team to review,” Hai said.
“In the second leg, the whole team needs to be more focused at all times,”
Striker Nguyen Tien Linh is in top form with six goals in the competition, equal to Teerasil Dangda of Thailand.
Linh has had 19 goals for the national team, surpassing former footballer Nguyen Hong Son to rank third on the list of best scorers. Huynh Duc (21 goals) is second and Cong Vinh (51 goals) is out in front as the country’s top scorer.
Linh, who plays for Binh Duong Club is determined to all out for a decisive victory in Thailand, to bring joy to Vietnamese fans.
Former national team coach Henrique Calisto, who helped Vietnam beat Thailand in the finals to win the AFF Cup in 2008, also said that Vietnam is a formidable team and can beat Thailand if the players play confidently.
The referee who won the best referee award of the J.League 1 2021, Jumpei Lida from Japan, will officiate the match.
Lida became a FIFA referee in 2011 and has refereed in many major tournaments such as the Asian Cup qualifiers, Asian World Cup qualifiers, AFC Champions League and AFC Cup.
Meanwhile, Thai midfielder Weerathep Pomphan is determined to join the Thai team to overcome Vietnam to successfully defend their AFF Cup title at home.
“We have to win the next match after drawing in the first leg. As for the away goal, I don’t think it is too important. In the last game at home, we will play our best for the fans. I believe that we can win and gain the championship,” Khaosod newspaper quoted Pomphan as saying.
Thailand head into AFF Cup final second leg with edge over Vietnam
MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2023
Defending champions Thailand will go into the second leg of the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup as the favourites after a thrilling 2-2 draw at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi on Friday evening in front of 38,000 people.
The match was played at an electrifying pace and saw some spectacular goals from both sides. Theerathon stood out for Thailand with his playmaking.
Hosts Vietnam took the lead through a spectacular diving header by Nguyen Tien Linh from the top of the six-yard box in the 24th minute, capitalising on a long pass. It was Nguyen’s sixth goal of the tournament, tying him at the top with Thailand’s Teerasil Dangda.
Vietnam held on to the lead until half-time before Poramet Arjvirai struck the equaliser for Thailand in the 48th minute, seizing a long pass in the box, dribbling past a defender and beating the Vietnamese keeper with a right footer.
Thailand went ahead in the 63rd minute through another fine finish, this time by Sarach Yooyen who was put through by Theerathon Bunmathan with a clinical pass, and shot to the far right of the keeper. Theerathon had earlier seen his spectacular free kick break through the Vietnamese wall but crash into the crossbar.
Vietnam equalised in the 88th minute after Vu Van Thanh took a short pass and fired home from the top of the box following a corner.
Thailand will host the second leg of the final at Thammasat Stadium in Bangkok on January 16.
Rashford the hero again as Man United come back to beat Man City in dramatic derby
SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2023
Reuters
In-form Marcus Rashford scored a late winner as Manchester United came from behind to beat rivals Manchester City 2-1 on Saturday, a victory that moves them to within a point of the champions in the Premier League standings.
The hosts had the best chances of a tense first half at Old Trafford, with in-form England forward Rashford seeing a tame effort blocked on the line by Manuel Akanji, while City struggled to get going.
City were much improved after the break, and the pressure told as Jack Grealish stepped off the bench to head his side into the lead in the 61st minute, on the end of a superb cross from the ever-reliable assist-maker Kevin De Bruyne.
However, with United looking second best, they produced a remarkable turnaround, out of nowhere, to turn the match on its head.
There was an element of controversy about United’s equaliser in the 78th minute, with Rashford initially flagged offside as Bruno Fernandes swept the ball home, with the goal given following a VAR review.
Chingiz Allazov knocks out Superbon Singha Mawynn to capture ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title
SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2023
January 14, 2023 – Bangkok, Thailand: ONE Championship™ (ONE) kicked off 2023 with a thriller at the Impact Arena with ONE Fight Night 6: Superbon vs. Allazov. The event featured three World Title bouts, headlined by a battle between top pound-for-pound strikers for the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title.
ONE Championship, in partnership with leading premium lifestyle and luxury performance brand TUMI, presented the prestigious ONE World Title belt to the World Champions.
In the main event, ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix Champion and #1-ranked contender Chingiz Allazov shocked the globe by knocking out Superbon Singha Mawynn to capture the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title.
Allazov pushed Superbon back with fast and powerful combinations in the first round, while the Thai superstar looked for openings. Every strike Superbon threw, “Chinga” had an answer for. After outworking the defending king in the initial frame, the Azerbaijani-Belarusian sniper increased his output in the second round behind even more thunderous boxing.
A monster right hand from Allazov dropped Superbon for the count in the middle of that second stanza. He followed with another right hand, which sent his rival crashing to the canvas once more. A final right hand then ended matters abruptly, separating Superbon from his senses and elevating “Chinga” to the divisional throne.
In the co-main event, Thai striker Superlek Kiatmoo9 went to war with Spain’s Daniel Puertas and captured the vacant ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title with an impressive showing. Puertas was aggressive to start the fight, while Superlek picked his spots. “The Kicking Machine” then picked up the pace in the third round, hurting Puertas along the Circle Wall with punches. In the fifth round, Superlek was penalized with a yellow card for excessive clinching, but he closed the fight strong to nab the unanimous decision and the golden belt.
In the other co-main event, Italian-American BJJ superstar Mikey Musumeci dominated elite Mongolian sambo specialist Gantumur Bayanduuren to retain the ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Championship. “Darth Rigatoni” caught Bayanduuren in a leg lock early and held the position for nearly the entire duration of the contest. The Mongolian showcased incredible toughness in refusing to tap, with Musumeci maintaining constant pressure on the ankle and knee joints. In the end, the defending king continued his reign with a one-sided unanimous decision victory.
Former two-division ONE World Champion Aung La N Sang electrified the crowd with a stunning knockout of hulking Brazilian veteran Gilberto Galvao. “The Burmese Python” weathered an early storm from his opponent, defending and countering with precision. A couple of short elbows in the clinch hurt “Giba,” and Aung La N Sang followed him to the canvas with heavy ground-and-pound. A series of thunderous right hands signaled the end, as the 37-year-old earned the TKO finish.
Local hero and ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon destroyed China’s Jiduo Yibu in a nearly flawless kickboxing performance. “The Iron Man” was powerful and aggressive from the start, bringing the fight to Jiduo. He scored a knockdown in the first round, but the Chinese striker was able to shake it off. The Thai firecracker proceeded to push the pace until the final bell, scoring the unanimous decision victory and making his case for a ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title shot next.
Former ONE Atomweight Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion Stamp Fairtex took on a massive challenge against teen star Anna “Supergirl” Jaroonsak in a strawweight kickboxing contest. It was a close battle, with both women landing some good, clean shots throughout the duration. “Supergirl” used size to her advantage, pressuring Stamp from the opening bell. The Fairtex fighter did her best work in the final round, tagging “Supergirl” with a plethora of punching combinations. In the end, judges scored the fight in favor of Stamp to win by split decision.
Former ONE World Title challenger Garry Tonon returned to MMA action, making quick work of fellow American Johnny Nunez in their featherweight MMA affair. After a brief exchange on the feet, Tonon took matters to the ground with a kimura sweep. The BJJ legend then finished the submission on the mat, as Nunez had no choice but to tap.
In the card’s opener, Japanese veteran Shoko Sato put in a clinical striking performance against dangerous South Korean striker Kim Jae Woong to win by unanimous decision. Both men were methodical with their approach in the early going, but action picked up in the second half of the contest. In the end, all three judges saw the bout in favor of Sato.
Performance bonus winners: Chingiz Allazov (US$50,000), Aung La N Sang (US$50,000), Stamp Fairtex (US$50,000)
ONE Fight Night 6 Complete Results
Kickboxing – Featherweight: Chingiz Allazov def. Superbon Shinga Mawynn via KO at 1:03 of R2 Kickboxing – Flyweight: Superlek Kiatmoo9 def. Daniel Puertas via Unanimous Decision Submission Grappling – Flyweight: Mikey Musumeci def. Gantumur Bayanduuren via Unanimous Decision MMA – Catchweight (215 lbs.): Aung La N Sang def. Gilberto Galvao via TKO at 1:29 of R1 Kickboxing – Catchweight (136.5 lbs): Rodtang Jitmuangnon def. Jiduo Yibu via Unanimous Decision Kickboxing – Strawweight: Stamp Fairtex def. Anna Jaroonsak via Split Decision MMA – Featherweight: Garry Tonon def. Johnny Nunez via Submission (Kimura) at 1:53 of R1 MMA – Catchweight (150 lbs.): Shoko Sato def. Kim Jae Woong via Unanimous Decision
Vietnam and Thailand 2-2 draw in AFF Championship final leg 1
SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2023
THE NATION
Two away goals ensure Thailand hold a slender advantage in their bid to become back-to-back champions after a thrilling 2-2 draw in the Vietnamese capital in the first leg of the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022 final.
A 24th-minute strike from Nguyen Tien Linh – that moved him level with 4-time winner Teerasil Dangda in the race for the top scorer award in this edition – sent Vietnam to the break with a narrow lead before goals from Poramet Arjvirai and Sarach Yooyen put Thailand in control.
Just when it seemed that the tie was leaning decisively in Thailand’s favour, substitute Vu Van Thanh struck in the 88th minute to set up a thrilling second leg in Bangkok on Monday.
Vietnam and Thailand 2-2 draw in AFF Championship final leg 1
The history was made on Wednesday (January 11) as Muay Thai received official approval from the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and was recognised as a new member by the USOPC board.
National Sports Development Fund (NSDF)’s manager Supranee Guptasa said that the Deputy Prime Minister and Executive Chairman of Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) Prawit Wongsuwan, Minister of Tourism and Sports Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, and governor of the SAT Kongsak Yodmanee have been working with International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) to promote Muay Thai sport.
“IFMA, supported by SAT and NSDF, introduced Thai cultures, including music, food, and especially Muay Thai, to the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, USA, on June 7 to June 17 of last year” Supranee added.
She said that owning to its acceptance in the U.S., Muay Thai is getting closer to being added to the upcoming Olympic Games.
An honour approval from USOPC was the result of the United States Muaythai Federation (USMF)’s effort and reputation, under Michael Corley, who is USMF’s current president.
Michael Corley also said that working under the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which was approved by the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), we aim to add more value to the Olympics and rely on an athlete-centred approach, focusing on anti-doping process as well as youth protection, development, and inclusion, together with gender equality.
“The USMF and IFMA would like to express their thankfulness to our partners for accepting Muay Thai as a valuable traditional martial art.” He said.
Michael ensured that the future of Muay Thai in the U.S. will be promising.
Superbon and Allazov get ready for ONE Fight Night 6
THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2023
January 11, 2023 – Bangkok, Thailand: ONE Championship™ (ONE) returned to Bangkok to kick off a massive event week with a live press conference for ONE Fight Night 6: Superbon vs. Allazov, which was held at the W Hotel.
In attendance was ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong and Managing Director of ONE Championship Thailand Prem Busarabavonwongs. They were joined by the top athletes competing at the event, including reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon Singha Mawynn and his opponent, ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix Champion Chingiz Allazov, as well as ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Champion Mikey Musumeci, ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon, and former two-sport ONE World Champion Stamp Fairtex, among others.
Sityodtong announced the ONE Openweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix, which will pit 16 of the best Muay Thai athletes from around the world against each other to compete for a US$1,000,000 grand prize.
In addition, the promotion also paid tribute to 18-year-old martial arts prodigy Victoria Lee, who tragically passed away in late December.
Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “ONE Championship is launching the greatest era in the history of Muay Thai, with the Mecca, the pinnacle, the greatest stadium, and one of the most iconic fighting arenas in the world — the Mecca of Muay Thai — Lumpinee Stadium.”
“We are going to change, not only Muay Thai all over the world, [but also] we are going to elevate and inspire 70 million countrymen with our heroes and showcase Muay Thai around the world, every week, live in primetime in Thailand, broadcast live to 179 countries around the world. We are taking it to the next level and making Muay Thai a truly legitimate World Championship sport that the entire planet can enjoy.”
“We have the very best kickboxers in every division. We have the very best Muay Thai fighters in every division as well. We have the very best of the best, so there is no easy fight. If you want to fight the best of the best, there’s only one place, and it’s in ONE.”
Prem Busarabavonwongs, Managing Director of ONE Championship Thailand, stated: “Finally, ONE Championship is back in Thailand again after three years of the pandemic. I’m so excited this card is happening this weekend. I’m sure it’s going to be a blast. It’s going to be explosive. It’s going to be fun, for sure.”
“The reason we want to do this is because we want to help Muay Thai and rebuild Muay Thai to greatness again. It’s very important to support Muay Thai, with no gambling involved, and really make this a sport entertainment [spectacle]. I am confident that this year, we will ignite the greatest era of Muay Thai. So everyone, please help us and support Muay Thai.”
Superbon Singha Mawynn, ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion, stated: “I’m very honored and happy that people think of me [as the best fighter in the world]. However, for me, I still think that there’s a lot of other strikers who are above me or who I have to fight before I can fully say that I accept this title.”
“My advantage is that I’m fighting at home, I’m fighting in Thailand. When it comes to speed and power, I also have the advantage on that as well. I also have a lot of support from my Thai fans in Thailand.”
Chingiz Allazov, ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix Champion, stated: “I say, a long time I waited for this fight. A long time we waited for this fight, my team waited. The first time I had a problem. After my COVID problem, then it was Superbon. But now, it’s time.”
“I know Superbon is a good fighter. He has an individual style, he has a real Thai style, and he has a universal style. But I like this. I make many kicks, I make many punches, knees. For me, no problem.”
“I waited for this day, I’m focused one hundred percent.”
ONE Fight Night 6: Superbon vs. Allazov will kick off at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani on Saturday January 14 from 8am (Thailand time), and will be broadcast live to 170 countries worldwide during United States’ prime time.
Thailand eyeing AFF final switch to 50,000-seat Rajamangala in Bangkok
THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2023
The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) wants to switch Thailand’s home leg of the AFF Championship final against Vietnam to the 50,000-seater Rajamangala National Stadium so more Thai fans can attend.
The match on Monday (January 16) was originally due at the 25,000-seat Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani, but SAT says Rajamangala is now 90% ready to host the final if the AFF organising committee agrees.
The first leg of the final will kick off in Hanoi on Friday after Mano Polking’s Thailand crushed Malaysia 3-0 to overturn a 1-0 deficit in the semi-final on Tuesday.
“We estimate a large number of Thai fans will be interested in attending the final match, so it’s only fair to switch the venue to a bigger stadium, like the 50,000-seat Rajamangala in Bang Kapi, Bangkok,” said SAT governor Kongsak Yodmanee as he led an inspection of the stadium on Wednesday.
Rajamangala Stadium played host to K-pop’s “Golden Disc Awards” on Sunday with around 35,000 music fans in attendance. Stadium rules dictate there should be a gap of at least 15 days between major events at Rajamangala to allow the grass to rehabilitate.
“The SAT will make an exception for the AFF final despite having only five days left [before the match],” said Kongsak. “We have brought in grass experts to speed up the rehabilitation and get the pitch ready for the match in time. The stadium is currently about 90% ready.”
Kongsak said the AFF committee would consider factors including the stadium’s readiness, transport, and costs in judging whether to make the switch.
“SAT’s job is to get the stadium 100% ready as soon as possible,” he said.
Vietnam booked their place in the final with a 2-0 win against Indonesia on Monday at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi.
Thais can enjoy AFF final match on big LED screens
Vietnam and Thailand 2-2 draw in AFF Championship final leg 1
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