Muangthong on the march with first ever Asian League win

Muangthong’s hopes of building on their hard-earned point from a goalless stalemate in the group opener at Brisbane Roar last week looked in jeopardy when the visitors earned a penalty with barely 10 minutes remaining and the two sides locked at 1-1.  

However, substitute Suzuki Yuma sent his spot kick wide of keeper Kawin Thamsatchanan’s right-hand post and the hosts then capitalised on the lucky escape when Spanish striker Xisco swooped for an easy tap-in after Tristan Do’s cutback was parried into his path in front of goal.  

The result was also significant for being the Thai side’s first ever victory at this level after managing only a single point from their maiden campaign in the group stage of the continent’s top club competition four years ago. 

“It was a fantastic game from all our players. We needed to take three points to have a chance of progressing to the next round. We must claim maximum points when we are at home.

“Perhaps it was unwise to take the game to them in the opening stages. But our lads were well-disciplined and they deserved much credit,” the former national midfielder told the post-game press conference.