Totchtawan confident of a repeat win
Muangthong United coach Totchtawan Sripan is backing his side, handicapped by suspensions of three first-choice players, to see off J-League outfit Kashima Antlers in their final Group E match and qualify for the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League as the group’s winners today.
The fixture at the Kashima Soccer Stadium in Ibaraki, Japan, will determine the top spot as both teams were already assured of qualification for the last-16 stage of the continent’s premier club competition.
After an extraordinary run of form on the continental stage that saw them unbeaten in five games to sit atop of the standings with 11 points, the Thai League champions can cap off their remarkable campaign by completing a double over the Antlers whom they had beaten 2-1 earlier this season.
Muangthong’s task, though, was made harder as they have to make do without three regulars, defensive duo Lee Ho and Tristan Do and former Newcastle United forward Xisco Jimenez, who have to sit out of today’s fixture due to suspension.
Nevertheless, former national midfielder Totchtawan was adamant his side, who progressed to the knockout phase of the competition for the first time, was capable of finishing their group campaign on a high against the Japanese hosts lying two points behind them.
“It will be a very difficult game for us because we have to play without three main players, who were suspended for the match. Another key player, [Brazilian defender] Celio, also missed the trip due to fever, while we’re still without injured duo, Adisak [Kraison] and Sarach [Yooyen].
“Playing here is tough but we still have a chance to beat them, provided that we’re as disciplined as we were in the first meeting. We need to play with patience, which could help us defeat them again,” said the Muangthong coach.
