Buriram's new coach seeks winning start

Buriram became the first club from the country to qualify for the knockout round since BEC Tero Sasana reached the final of the continent’s elite club competition a decade ago.

Qualifying as the Group E runners-up means the Thai side have to play the first leg of their last-16 tie at home against the Uzbek champions, who have made it through the knockout phase of the lucrative tournament for six years in a row since 2008.

Much has changed since Buriram secured qualification by clinching a 2-2 away to group winners FC Seoul a fortnight ago, as the club made a shock decision to part company with coach Atthaphol Puspakom soon after the game at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

With Scott Cooper, the former chief of English club Leicester City’s academy, now in charge of the team, Buriram also go into the game without two first-choice midfielders, captain Suchao Nutnum and Carmelo Gonzalez, both suspended.

The AFC, meanwhile, has not allowed the club to replace Chilean forward Bustos, whose contract was terminated, with in-form striker Javier Patino, since such a move is only permitted in the case of injury.

With Patino ineligible, Kai Hirano is expected to lead the line up front as a lone striker against the Uzbeks, who won the group with an unbeaten record. 

“I have confidence in everyone in the team. We have shown in the group stage that we can compete with any top team from Japan or South Korea. So, our target is to reach the next round. We hope to win tomorrow to put us in strong position for qualification,” said Cooper. 

Buriram manager Tadthep Pitakpoolsin insisted the absence of the suspended midfield duo would not affect the team.

“Suchao and Gonzalez’s absence is, without a doubt, a blow to us, but, we have other players to come into the team. Everyone has a strong will to win. I believe we can maintain the balance of the team.”