Jakson’s first goal gives Muang Thong a fighting victory, Sukhothai continue streak
>> Coach Totchtawan Sripan saw highly fancied SCG Muang Thong United labour to a 1-0 Thai League 1 victory over Air Force Central on Friday night and admitted that his team were still a far cry from the side which finished runners-up last year.
Brazilian striker Jakson ‘Jaja’ Coelho scored his first goal for the Kirins with a nifty header just before the half-hour mark at Dhupatemiya Stadium to earn three points for Muang Thong.
However, the victory — Muang Thong’s second in three matches — did little to lift Totchtawan’s mood.
“Everyone thought we would have it easy against Air Force but it turned out to be a big struggle,” said Totchtawan.
“It might have looked that we were controlling the match but that was because they [Air Force] concentrated on defending and allowed us to keep the ball.
“They put us under a lot of pressure in the second half and exposed many of our weaknesses.
“The players are still finding it difficult to develop any meaningful combinations. We are no way near the team we had been in the last season.”
Totchtawan praised Jakson’s goal, but also pointed to opportunities the Brazilian has wasted since joining the Kirins from arch foes Buriram United at the start of the season.
The Muang Thong coach said: “I am glad that he scored and it was a very, very good goal, but at the same time he missed quite a few as well.
“He should have scored his first goal for Muang Thong weeks ago but he kept misfiring. This could be because of a number of reasons, but I suspect the main grouse is his lack of fitness.”
Air Force coach Sasom Pobprasert also spoke of the chances his men created — and missed — on Friday night.
He said: “We are very disappointed that we could not get a point from this game as we had several chances to score goals. We have to continue to work hard and develop this squad.”
Meanwhile, a brace by Nelson Bonilla ensured that Sukhothai would stay perched on the top of the league table following their 2-1 victory at Chonburi last night.
Marclei Santos cancelled out Bonilla’s 22nd-minute goal before the break, but the Salvadoran striker was on target again for Sukhothai in the second half.
Bangkok Glass’ struggles in the league continued last night as they could only manage a goalless draw at Navy’s home in Sattahip.