Champions at all five SEA Games that have been played to date, Thanathorn Santhanaprasit’s side were powered by Arriya Saetoen’s five goals in the Qualifiers while stalwart Darika Peanpailun will be hoping to add to her overall tally of seven goals in her third outing.

“The players are at 100 percent and we have been focusing on tactics for both attacking and receiving but we will monitor Arriya Saetoen, who is expected to be fit in time,” said Thanathorn.

“We have put in an extra week of training before coming here to China. The final stage is about improving our pressing game and enhancing team connection. I believe we can win the group, with tough competitors like Japan, Bahrain and Indonesia. While I don't know how much they’ve improved, we can't afford to underestimate them.

“If we perform as we've practiced we have a good chance to reach the final and secure a spot in the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup. Mental toughness will be key, especially when facing strong teams but I trust the players will give their all for Thailand.”

For Bahrain, a strong qualifying campaign saw them successfully make it to a second straight Finals and become the only West Asian team to qualify.

In charge since 2020, Italian Lino Gomes helped Bahrain achieve a third-place finish at the 2022 West Asian Football Federation Women’s Futsal Championship and glory at the 2022 Gulf Cooperation Council Games, and will seek to make another breakthrough by progressing beyond the group stage for the first time.

Venue: Hohhot Sports Centre (Hohhot)

Kick-off: Wednesday, 14:00 (UTC+8)