Mark Jackson Praises Buriram's Fighting Spirit in Dominant Away Victory, Wins Game One Decisively

Buriram United claimed a crucial 1-0 away win against Srilangar FC in the opening leg of the SHOPEE CUP 2025/26 AFC Club Championship final. Head coach Mark Jackson expressed satisfaction with the victory, stating that he was pleased with how his team fought without yielding and closed out the match professionally, despite acknowledging there is still another match ahead that requires even greater preparation and commitment.

Jackson emphasized that his tactical approach remains straightforward, with all players giving their utmost for the club. He noted the team's demanding fixture schedule, including a 120-minute encounter with Johor Darul Takzim followed by an FA Cup semi-final on Sunday. While the squad showed signs of fatigue in the second half due to travel, Jackson praised the outstanding character and unity displayed by his players in defensive situations when facing opposition pressure.

Regarding the second leg, Jackson indicated that having a week for physical recovery is beneficial, as it will allow the team to restore their bodies and minds while maintaining the confidence gained from the away victory. He expressed confidence in the squad's ability to win every match, though acknowledging the difficulty of achieving this in a final tournament format. Jackson also welcomed the return of Guilherme Bissoli to the squad and commended Suphanat Mueantat's impactful performance in the match, noting he made a difference despite showing some fatigue toward the end.