Kirins in confident mood after Brisbane stalemate

Kirins in confident mood after Brisbane stalemate

Muang Thong's Chanathip Songkrasin, centre, in action against Brisbane Roar.
Muang Thong's Chanathip Songkrasin, centre, in action against Brisbane Roar.

SCG Muang Thong United's bid to get past the AFC Champions League group stage for the first time has been boosted by Tuesday's scoreless draw at Brisbane Roar.

Muang Thong midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin, who was named man of the match, said the team felt more confident after the creditable result in Group E.

"I was my first AFC Champions League match. I am disappointed because we should have won. But one point is valuable for us and this will boost our confidence in the remaining matches,'' said the playmaker who is dubbed 'Messi Jay.'

Muang Thong coach Totchtawan Sripan said he was pleased with his team's performance.

He said: "It was a good game and we played according to our plan. Although we met our target of getting one point, we are a bit disappointed because I feel we should have won.

"It was a good start. We prove that it is not easy to beat us."

The Thai League champions have never reached the knockout stage of the continental club championship.

Next Tuesday, the Kirins will host Japan's Kashima Antlers while South Korea's Hyundai Ulsan are at home to Brisbane Roar.

Kashima defeated Ulsan in their opening game on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Thailand coach Kiatisak Senamuang said he will on March 6 announce the players for the team's next World Cup qualifiers.

"I will watch their performances in the Thai League until March 6,'' Kiatisak said.

He said he already had plans to cope with the absence of midfielder Sarach Yooyen who is ruled out for up to eight months due to an ankle injury.

Thailand will host Saudi Arabia on March 23 and travel to Japan on March 28 with the other teams in their group being Australia, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

With four losses and one draw in the first five games, Thailand are not likely to earn a ticket to the World Cup finals in Russia next year.

The Kingdom have never reached the World Cup finals.

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