Kuala Lumpur: Thailand defender Korrakot Wiriyaaudomsiri believes the holders will have benefitted from the rest since their last group game and are now fully focussed for the first leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final against Malaysia on Saturday.

The War Elephants wrapped up top place in the Group B following a 3-0 victory over Singapore in Bangkok on Sunday to line up an encounter with 2010 champions Malaysia.

After playing a game every four days in the group stage, the Thais have had an additional two days to recover before the knockout rounds, and flew into Kuala Lumpur on Thursday night ahead of the clash at Bukit Jalil Stadium.

“We are 100 percent fit and all the team are ready for the game against Malaysia,” said Korrakot, who opened the scoring in his side's 4-2 victory over Indonesia earlier in the tournament. 

“We’re well prepared and we’ve had a good rest since our last game, so hopefully tomorrow can be a good day for us.

“The coach planned that we would train in Bangkok yesterday morning before coming here, so that has given us more chance to rest.”

The defending champions have so far played three of their four games at Rajamangala Stadium after their match with Timor-Leste, which was originally scheduled to be an away fixture, was also played in the Thai capital.

Milovan Rajevac’s side won all three of their home games, but only managed a 1-1 draw against the Philippines in their one away trip.

Just over 3,500 spectators were at Bacolod City to witness that game, but the clash in Kuala Lumpur promises to be a completely different affair after more than 83,000 fans saw Malaysia defeat Myanmar in their final group game last Saturday.

“It’s a beautiful stadium, but it will also be good for us if it is full as it will encourage us to give 100 percent,” added Korrakot.

“The Malaysian players have developed a lot and are near the top of the ASEAN game, but we are ready to give everything and I think we will be fine.”

Thailand are aiming to become the first country to ever claim three successive titles and being crowned champions in 2014 and 2016. The second leg of the semi-final will take place in Bangkok on Wednesday.