Chon Buri FC to clash with South China
Thai Premier League club Chon Buri FC will begin their bid to reach the AFC Champions League for the first time in five years when they confront Hong Kong club South China in a home play-off match today.
Chon Buri, who last played in the continent’s elite club competition in 2008, became the third Thai club eyeing a Champions League campaign after the Asian football’s governing body allocated an extra berth to the country.
While Buriram clinched automatic qualification after claiming their third Thai Premier League title last season, second-placed Muangthong United and third-placed Chon Buri have to negotiate two play-off ties to reach the group stage.
Chon Buri will play Chinese club Beijing Guoan for the right to enter the group stage if it wins today.
Under new coach Masahiro Wada, who took up the post after veteran mentor Witthaya Laohakul became the club’s technical director at the end of last season, Chon Buri will today be without injured central defender Suthinan Pukhom.
Suthinan is likely to be sidelined for two months.
The Wada, 49, who joined Chon Buri from Japanese club Vissel Kobe, promised to field his best team against South China.
South China had a 2-1 extra-time win over Singapore’s Tampines Rovers in the first playoff round.
“We’ve prepared the team for a while for the match,” Wada said.
“It’s my first competitive game in charge of the team. Things are still not in place yet but every player of my team has very good skills.
“I believe we can make it through the next round if we show discipline.”
The two sides met twice in the group stage of the 2011 AFC Cup, with Chon Buri recording consecutive 3-0 wins.
The sides have not met since then.
Foxsports will televise the match live from 6.30pm.
