Bangkok: Thailand striker Supachai Jaided insists he has no fear of taking to the field in front of more than 80,000 Malaysian fans in the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final after helping his side defeat Singapore 3-0 on Sunday.

First-half goals from Pansa Hemviboon and Supachai put the Thais in control against the Lions and Adisak Kraisorn’s late strike ensured the War Elephants finished top of Group B and set up a clash with Malaysia in the last four.

The electrifying atmosphere at the Bukit Jalil Stadium has been one of the stories of the tournament so far but Supachai is unfazed by the prospect of playing there as part of the visiting side.

“I don’t feel nervous about it,” said Supachai. “We have played in Malaysia before. We know that they will have a lot of fans when we go there and they will get behind their team. But we’ll just focus on our game out on the pitch and there is no need to feel any added pressure due to the noise from the home crowd.”

The 19-year-old won the man-of-the-match award on Sunday, just the latest achievement in a year that has also seen him win the Thai League title and play in the AFC Champions League with Buriram United. But he preferred to focus on what the win meant for the team rather than himself

“Everyone played well and stayed focused on getting the victory we needed,” said Supachai. “We planned well and carried out the plan effectively.

“I didn’t really think about any other achievements. I just tried to focus on my game out on the pitch and helping the team get out of the group and into the semi-final.”

Meanwhile, defender Mika Chunuonsee was delighted to make his AFF Suzuki Cup debut several years after his first call-up for the national side. 

“It was a great experience for me,” said Mika. “I have waited for this moment for four or five years. I didn't expect to start tonight but we have 23 players in the squad that can all start.

“We've all been in good form so whoever the coach decides to play, we're all ready. For me personally, it was an honour just to get on that field and get my first start in the Suzuki Cup and hopefully many more to come."

Mika expects a tough challenge against Malaysia on Saturday but is confident that the defending champions can take a positive result to Bangkok for the second leg. 

"It won't be easy,” he said. “They’re obviously a good team. They've done very well to get to the next round. I think if we go over there with a game plan and the right tactics, we can get the win to bring back home.

“We've got to get back to the drawing board and get the hard work done this week and hopefully go there and get at least a draw, but I'm looking for a win."