Jiangsu clinch first AFC Champions League win
Two-goal win against Buriram United is Jiangsu Sainty's first in AFC Champions League and keeps them in contention for next phase of the competition
Jiangsu Sainty can start to dream of a place in the knockout phase of the AFC Champions League after delivering the ideal birthday present for head coach Dragan Okuka with a 2-0 win over Thailand's Buriram United last night.
The victory was Jiangsu's first in their debut season in the continental club championship and hauls them back into contention for a place in next month's round of 16 after a slow start to the competition by the Chinese Super League runners-up.
"This is a sweet night, as we finally have our first AFC Champions League win," said the Serbian coach, who saw his side lose 5-1 to FC Seoul on their debut appearance in the competition, before drawing 0-0 with Vegalta Sendai three weeks ago.
"But it's not only about the good result, we also enjoyed a good process. It is the best birthday gift to me," added Okuka, who turned 59 yesterday.
"Many thanks to the fans who greeted me from the stands. I am happy that our hard work has been appreciated by them. I can still recall my last birthday when we beat Dalian 5-0 last year."
Lu Bofei and Sun Xe scored within a minute of one another late in the first half to earn Jiangsu a win that takes them up to second in group E on four points, two ahead of Buriram and Sendai, but three adrift of FC Seoul.