Buriram United have a chance to become the first Thai side to reach the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League since the inaugural tournament in 2003 as Attaphol Puspakom’s side face FC Seoul tomorrow, although both Japan’s Vegalta Sendai and China’s Jiangsu Sainty are also in the hunt for a place in the last 16 from Group E.
A goal from Osmar Barba had seemingly seen Buriram edge out Sendai at home last week to follow in the footsteps of BEC Tero Sasana, who reached the inaugural AFC Champions League final in 2003.
But Sendai’s Takayuki Nakahara equalized in the last minute of stoppage time to leave Buriram, Sendai and Jiangsu in contention to join Group E winners and K-League champions FC Seoul in the last 16 heading into tomorrow’s final round of fixtures.
“We should have won this match at home,” said Buriram coach Attaphol, who guided BEC Tero Sasana to the inaugural final in 2003 only to lose to Al Ain, following the draw with Sendai.
“This does not help us qualify for the next round, but we will try our best in the away game with FC Seoul. It will certainly be a hard game for us, but we have to keep the faith.” Both Buriram and Sendai, who entertain Jiangsu, are currently level on points with identical records after five games with the Chinese Super League side two points adrift and in need of a win in Japan to remain in contention.
The final qualification picture in Group F is also set to go down to the final round of fixtures with former winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Urawa Reds in contention to join Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou Evergrande in the last 16.
Guangzhou advanced to the knockout stage for a second consecutive season despite last week’s eventful 3-2 defeat by Urawa, although Marcello Lippi’s side still need to avoid defeat at home to unbeaten Jeonbuk to seal top spot.
Having missed out on a place in the knockout stage for the first time last year courtesy of a dramatic final day win for Guangzhou, 2006 champions Jeonbuk know a draw in China will be enough to deny Urawa.
Urawa face already-eliminated Thai champions Muangthong United with the 2007 champions needing to win, while hoping Guangzhou claim a fourth win of the campaign.
In the West, Lekhwiya, Pakhtakor, Al-Ittifaq and Al Shabab Al Arabi are all firmly in contention to advance from Group B with all four teams separated by just two points with one game remaining.
Table-topping Lekhwiya have the easiest of tasks with the Qatar champions simply needing to avoid defeat at home to second place Al-Ittifaq to advance to the last 16 for the first time, although the Saudi side can win the group with all three points in Doha.
Uzbekistan champions Pakhtakor slipped down to third place last week after losing to Al Ettifaq, but the AFC Champions League ever-presents can return to the last 16 for the first time since 2010 with victory over Al Shabab Al Arabi in Tashkent.
However, the UAE Pro League side, who beat Lekhwiya last week, can also secure their qualification with a third win of the campaign over Pakhtakor.
Finally in Group A, Saudi champions Al-Shabab and Qatar’s El Jaish have already sealed qualification, although first place in still available.
Al-Shabab entertain Al Jazira needing to win to claim home advantage in the second leg of the last 16, with El Jaish needing to beat Tractorsazi Tabriz in Iran to keep their hopes alive.
