Kirins visit Antlers in final group clash
SCG Muang Thong United will take on Kashima Antlers in Japan in their final Group E match of the AFC Champions League today.
Group leaders Muang Thong have 11 points and second-ranked Kashima have nine.
In the other Group E match, Australia’s Brisbane Roar host South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai with both having been eliminated.
Both matches kick off at 5pm Thai time.
Thai champions Muang Thong and Kashima have qualified for the knockout stages and today’s meeting will only determine their positions.
However, both may not want to win as Group E winners will meet tournament favourites Guangzhou Evergrande of China and the runners-up face Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale.
Guangzhou finished second in Group G yesterday after they were held to a 2-2 draw at home to South Korea’s Suwon Bluewings while Kawasaki thrashed Hong Kong’s Eastern Sports Club 4-0.
Muang Thong coach Totchtawan Sripan told yesterday’s press conference that his team were good enough to get a result against the Japanese side.
Muang Thong midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin said he wanted to meet Kawasaki Frontale in the next round.
Chanathip will j oin Japanese club Consadole Sapporo in July in a 18-month loan deal.
The Kirins will be without Xisco Jimenez, Lee Ho and Tristan Do who all are suspended.
Kashima coach Ishii Masatada said: “We want to finish top in the group so we will try to win.”
RESULTS Group G
Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) 2 (Goulart 17, 68) Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR) 2 (Yeom Ki-Hun 9, Kim Jong-Woo 80)
Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) 4 (Rhayner 28, Taniguchi 45, Hasegawa 49, Nara 53) Eastern (HKG) 0
FIXTURES Group E
(both kick-offs 5pm Thai time) Kashima Antlers v Muang Thong United, Brisbane Roar v Ulsan Hyundai