Accordingly, the Vietnamese representatives fall into Group B, which is considered the toughest of the four groups at Thailand’s tournament, with the presence of two "old acquaintances" – Naft Al Wasat (Iraq) and Al Rayyan SC (Qatar) – along with rookies AGMK FC (Uzbekistan).
It is the first time Uzbekistan’s AFMK make their presence in the continental club futsal tournament. Meanwhile, the other two have each faced Thai Son Nam several times in the past.
Naft Al Wasat made it through to the final in 2016 and finished fourth in 2018. The Iraqi team have met Thai Son Nam three times. In the third-placed match in 2015, the Vietnam’s club won 7-3. In the quarterfinals last year, the two teams played with a 4-0 victory in favour of Thai Son Nam, but at the latest confrontation in the group stage in 2019, Naft Al Wasat won 4 -3.
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The draw results of the AFC Futsal Club Championship Thailand 2019. (Photo: AFC)
Al Rayyan SC are another predestined opponents for Thai Son Nam. The Vietnamese team also met the Qataris twice, earning victories in both matches. In the quarterfinals in 2015, Thai Son Nam overcame Al Rayyan SC 2-1 and also won 6-1 in the third-placed match during the 2017 season.
The tournament will have 32 matches played and will be held in Bangkok from August 8 to 18, with the participation of Asia’s top 16 futsal clubs divided into four groups. Title holders Mes Sungun Varzaghan of Iran are in Group D.
Thai Son Nam are in their intensive training period to prepare for their sixth appearance in the annual tournament. Coach Miguel Rodrigo is also looking for two qualified foreign players to strengthen his squad. Thai Son Nam is planning friendlies with several reputable teams ahead of the tournament.
As last year’s runners-up, Thai Son Nam's goal at the 2019 AFC Futsal Club Championship is to at least achieve the same performance last season.
