Teerasil wants fans vocal support at SCG Stadium
Muangthong United captain and striker Teerasil Dangda has exhorted the supporters to turn up in droves when the Thai League champions welcome South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai in the Asian Champions League clash today.
The Twin Kirins’ second home fixture in the group stage of the continent’s elite competition will take place at the club’s home ground, the SCG Stadium. In February, they were forced to use the Supachalasai Stadium for the visit of J-League side Kashima Antlers due to the unavailability of their own stadium.
Muangthong have fond memories of their “temporary home” as they registered their first ever win on their second appearance in the ACL group stage by securing a last-gasp 2-1 win over the Japanese outfit.
That historic triumph, sandwiched by two away draws, including the goalless stalemate in Ulsan last month, has put Muangthong firmly on course to become the first Thai side to reach the knockout stages of the competition since Buriram United’s surprise run to the quarterfinals four years ago.
A win from their first game back at the SCG Stadium against their direct rivals for a top-two finish would see Muangthong, who sit just a point off the Group E summit, edge closer towards qualification for the last-16 stage.
The 28-year-old Teerasil was hoping the supporters would pump up the volume and help his side secure a win that would be crucial to their hopes of prolonging their journey beyond the group stage for the first time.
“It’s a vital game for us. The outcome would have an impact on our qualification chances. Ulsan are a strong side. It’s not an easy task for sure,” the striker said of the South Korean side, which is only a point behind them in third spot.
“We are getting a chance to play at our own stadium for the first time. Everyone is hoping for a good result. If we play well, I think we have a chance of going through,” said Teerasil.
