Fortune favours brave Muangthong in last-16 draw
Muangthong United coach Totchtawan Sripan had nothing but praise for his charges even though they failed to cap their successful qualification for the AFC Champions League’s last-16 stage by topping the group, following a 2-1 loss away to J-League heavyweights Kashima Antlers in their final Group E match on Wednesday.
Man of the match Yuma Suzuki scored twice either side of half-time to condemn the Thai League champions to their first defeat of an otherwise impressive campaign at the Kashima Soccer Stadium in Ibaraki, Japan.
The result meant the Japanese hosts not only avenged an upset 2-1 defeat to Muangthong back in February but also overtook the Twin Kirins at the top of the standings with 12 points from six games, one ahead of the Thais.
Muangthong’s setback, though, seemed to be a blessing in disguise as they were handed a last-16 clash with another J-League side, Kawasaki Frontale, while the Antlers go up against two-time Asian champions Guangzhou Evergrande.
Former national midfielder Totchtawan did not seem too concerned by a result that snapped his side’s five-game unbeaten run on their only second appearance in the competition.
“We were well aware that both sides were already assured of qualification before the game. We were also without several first-choice players due to suspension. Their absence made us less effective.
“Nevertheless, everyone did their job well today. We had several chances to equalise but failed to take them. I think we had a good game. It was entertaining. Overall, we weren't inferior to Kashima in terms of possession so my players, particularly the younger ones, deserved the credit,” said the 45-year-old coach.
Totchtawan said he had not yet thought about his side’s two-legged tie with Frontale, who were tied with Guangzhou on 10 points but clinched the top spot thanks to a better head-to-head record.
Muangthong, who exited at the group stage in their only previous campaign in the continent’s elite club competition four years ago, will host the first leg on May 23 before the return fixture in Kawasaki a week later.
“The next match isn’t yet in my thoughts. We are the underdogs anyhow. We don’t care who we face. After all, we can't choose and we’re inferior to them anyway. Whichever team we play against we’ll just simply play our own game.”
One bright spot for Muangthong on Wednesday was Teerasil Dangda’s goal on stroke of half-time that canceled out Suzuki’s 19th-minute opener. It meant the national striker scored for five games in a row for the first time in his career.
