Kashima: A Yuma Suzuki brace set Kashima Antlers on course for an AFC Champions League Round of 16 tie against two-time winners Guangzhou Evergrande, as the reigning Japanese champions beat Thailand’s Muangthong United 2-1 at Kashima Soccer Stadium on Wednesday.
Both sides knew they were already assured of progression to the knockout stage but that the winner here would finish as Group E winners, and Kashima took the lead in the 19th minute when Yasushi Endo sent a ball in behind for Suzuki, who kept his cool to beat the onrushing Muangthong goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan and steer home from just inside the penalty area.
Teerasil Dangda equalised with a peach of an effort just before half-time, nutmegging Shoma Doi 25 yards from goal and then slamming home from the edge of the D, but a Suzuki header from an Endo cross in the 60th minute wrapped up all three points for the hosts.
Antlers will now square off against 2013 and 2015 continental champions Guangzhou of China in the Round of 16, while Muangthong will face another Japanese side, Group G winners Kawasaki Frontale.
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