It will be a war minus shooting when Thailand, the region's dominant side, visit defending champions Singapore for the first of the double-leg finals in the Asean Football Championship.

It's a game that might have more meaning than just a soccer match for both sides.

The current uneasy political relationship between the two countries, has added spice to an already intriguing contest between the two sides, which are the only teams to have won the tournament formerly known as "Tiger Cup".

Thailand, however, suffered a huge setback ahead of the crucial match when evergreen striker Kiartisak "Zico" Senamuang, the only player in the current team who was a member of all the previous winning sides, withdrew due to a nagging knee injury, which threatens to rule the veteran captain out for the second leg as well.

Chanwit Pholchivin, the national team's head coach, admitted the absence of the inspirational player would inevitably have an effect on Thailand's attacking play.

"Kiartisak brings rhythm into our play up front. He is not only a striker in the conventional sense but a playmaker, allowing others to have a strike at the goal," said Chanwit, who was in the news

last week over his reported talks with Vietnam's V-league club Dong Thap to take over as its coach.

"Though we miss him, the pace of Sarayoot Chaikamdee and Pipat Thonkanya could pose a threat to Singapore's languid defence.

"Our poor finishing is a problem. I think it takes time to correct the lads, who are under tremendous pressure once they are on the field. I know this because I was once a player myself," added Chanwit.

Apart from the loss of Kiartisak, Thailand have been beset with other injury concerns to first-team players such as Datsakorn Thonglao and Sutee Suksomkit, who are expected to face a late fitness test.

Chanwit is quite realistic about their chances today. "It is quite a tough match tomorrow as several of our players are not in good shape and will need a late check to prove their fitness."

"Having reached this stage, we must only aim for the title. Although we would face much pressure in tomorrow's match, we still want to run out as the winners. But a draw is another option, we will be satisfied with.

"When playing under the pressure, it is necessary that we need to control our tempers. That will help us to gain advantage. But it is easier said than done.

"We must be careful about committing fouls in dangerous areas as Singaporeans are adept in the air. I have told my defenders to fight for every ball and ordered the goalie to come out more often and intercept the crosses," added Chanwit.

Singapore coach Radojko Avramovic said that his players need to keep their concentration throughout the match and believed the capacity crowd at the National stadium would drive the home side to victory.

The coach said he has a full squad to choose from, unlike when Singapore lost to Thailand in the King's Cup last month.

The Lions are promising a different match from last month when they lost 2-0 to Thailand.

"Actually, in that tournament we never had a chance to play with a team that is best at that moment. Now it's a different situation, I think most players will be available for the game. This means we can field our best team," said Avramovic.

The match will be shown live on Star Sports and Channel 7 from 7pm.