SCG Muang Thong United edged South Korea's Ulsan Hyundai FC 1-0 to go two points clear in Group E of the AFC Champions League on Wednesday night.
A 37th-minute winner from Thailand striker Teerasil Dangda secured all three points for the Kirins, who return to the top with eight points from four games after Japanese champions Kashima Antlers suffered a 2-1 defeat at Brisbane Roar and dropped to second.
Top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage.
Muang Thong dominated for long periods against Ulsan, who faded after a bright start at SCG Stadium.
However, the Kirins only had Teerasil's close-range finish after 37 minutes to show for their domination.
They squandered a host of chances to extend their lead with Spanish forward Xisco Jimenez wasteful on four occasions in front of goal.
With five minutes to go Adisak Kraisorn broke free and rounded goalkeeper Kim Yong-Dae only to see his shot cleared off the line.
Muang Thong coach Totchtawan Sripan was pleased with his team's performance despite some wasteful finishing.
"We had several chances to score but were unable to take them. But overall, we are pleased with the result and everyone did well today," said Totchtawan.
"After this win, we have a very good chance to qualify for the next round. Our goal is to do our best in every game we play."
A win against Brisbane in their next game at home on April 26 will guarantee the Kirins a place in the knockout stage.
"We tried our best to stick to our tactics but we couldn't produce the result we had hoped for. We made too many mistakes," said Ulsan Hyundai coach Kim Do-Hoon.
"Our players also had a lot of trouble with the hot weather. However, we will focus on our next game with Kashima Antlers which will be very crucial and could decide who will qualify for the next stage.
"We would like to congratulate Muang Thong United for a good win because they deserved it," he added.
Goals from striker Jamie Maclaren and midfielder Brett Holman gave the Roar a 2-0 lead before Ryota Nagaki pulled a goal back for Kashima near the end in Brisbane.
It was the Australian side's first win in their fourth game and took them to four points. bangkok post/afp