Buriram United FC coach Mark Jackson praised his side’s composure as the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™ defending champions booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025/26 edition with a 6-0 win over DH Cebu FC on Wednesday.
The win at the Thunder Castle coupled with last week’s 4-1 victory over Tampines Rovers FC ensured the Thai League 1 champions progressed to the knockout rounds as Group A winners after a slow start to the campaign had left their qualification hopes in doubt.
“First and foremost, we achieved our objective of finishing top of the group,” said Jackson, whose side leapfrogged Selangor FC as a result of Wednesday’s win.
“We knew we were under pressure in the last two matches because we needed maximum points, and I’m delighted with how the team handled that pressure and came through those challenging games.
“Finishing first in the group is fantastic for us. In terms of preparation, we still have other matches to focus on, including an upcoming AFC Champions League fixture. When the time comes, we will be fully prepared for the semi-final.”
Buriram United made light work of their opponents from the Philippines with goals from Sandy Walsh, Goran Čaušić, Kingsley Schindler, Phitiwat Sookjitthammakul, Nathakorn Rattanasuwan and Suphanat Mueanta securing the points.
The result moved Buriram United onto nine points and ahead of Selangor on goal difference as the pair booked their places in the semi-finals, which will be played on May 6 and 13 on a home-and-away basis. The final will be held on May 21 and 28.
Jackson’s side secured the win despite significant changes to the starting line-up and the Englishman stressed the positive mood within his playing group was key to their continued success.
“We have a big and very talented squad, so managing it is always a challenge,” he said. “What we’ve developed here is a strong collective mindset — it’s about the team, not just individual players.
“The players understand that coming in or out of the team is not personal. They continue to support one another, and that makes my job easier. It’s a great situation to have such a strong group of players to rely on.”
DH Cebu coach Glenn Ramos admitted there was little his out-gunned side could do to counter the firepower on show from their hosts as the Philippines Football League side slipped to a fourth loss in five Shopee Cup™ matches.
“I think our team did their best,” he said. “From the start of the game, it was clear that Buriram United FC have a very high level, especially in the way they move and circulate the ball.
“We tried to stay organised defensively, but the level of this match was different. Buriram are a very tough team, and they work extremely well together as a unit.”
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