CFA China Cup: Hosts gear up for opener against Thailand

The newly appointed coach of the Chinese National soccer Team, Fabio Cannavaro, is still getting to grips with his new squad ahead of their opening match of the CFA CHINA Cup against Thailand in Nanning, south CHINA's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on Thursday.

The 45-year-old was recently announced as his compatriot Marcelo Lippi's successor, taking on dual responsibility with his role as the boss of Chinese Super League (CSL) side Guangzhou Evergrande as well as at the helm of the National Team. He is currently supervising the National's Team's training ahead of the upcoming four-nation tournament in Guangxi.

As for the Team, Beijing Guoan winger Wang Gang has been called up for just the second time. The 30-year-old made the short switch from Beijing Renhe in the off-season after impressing in the club's first campaign in the CSL.

Newly appointed coach of the Chinese National soccer Team Fabio Cannavaro (C) conducts a training session ahead of CHINA's CFA CHINA Cup opening game against Thailand in Nanning, south CHINA's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, March 18, 2019. /VCG Photo

At the back, Guangzhou Evergrande center-half Liu Yiming is struggling with a slight knock but is expected to be fit. His Teammate Feng Xiaoting, who also has a small niggle, is also expected to recuperate for the game. Their opponent's in two days gave CHINA their darkest hour in recent memory back in 2013 with a 5-1 thrashing on home soil and they also surprised many by reaching the knockouts at this year's AFC Asian Cup. Still, recently recalled defender Li Ang believes this PRC squad has more than enough to deal with any major attacking threat.

Meanwhile, Chinese defender Li Ang said, "Our coach sets very focused training for us and pointed out all our bad habits from before, including details for positioning and pace."

"I have watched Thailand's match which was impressive because they are full of flexibility. They cooperate well, but I believe we will have our own way to deal with them," Li added.