Obb Deewajin
Football Tribe Thailand
An action-packed Thai League (T1) Matchday 8 began with Buriram United’s 1-1 home draw with Trat FC. The White Elephants took the lead through Lonsana Doumbouya’s powerful solo effort in the 59th minute.
Chasing the game, Buriram picked up the pace and equalized when after Sasalak Haiprakhon’s tireless work won possession high up the pitch, driving the ball forward into the danger area and allowing fellow youngster Supachai Jaided to get on the scoresheet with a tidy volley.
The Thunder Castle continued to pile on the pressure but unable to grab the win, as they were denied time after time by the fantastic Todsaporn Sri-reung in goal.
Luckily for the reigning champions, neither Chiangrai United, Bangkok United or PT Prachuap FC were able to get a win this week, thus failing to capitalise and overtake Buriram on the league table. As a result, the defending champions remain second in the table despite a slow start.
However, the undeniable game of the week took place at the SCG Stadium, as Yoon Jong-Hwan made his debut as Muangthong United coach against T1 leaders and bitter rivals Port FC. The first half was a tight tactical battle between the two sides, with neither side willing to risk opening up space at the back.
The best chance of the half fell to the hosts 22 years old left winger Phituckchai Limraksa, but the debutant side-footed his volley wide.
In the 50th minute, Port’s counter-attacking move found Bodin Phala down the left. The tricky winger cut inside fired a long-range screamer in the bottom corner of the net, giving the visitors the lead. With Muangthong forced to chase the game, space opened up at the back and the Klongtoei Lions soon made it 2-0 after another fine counter-attacking move. Right winger Pakorn Prempak played a delightful, curving through pass to Sumanya Purisai. The attacking midfielder, one-on-one against Kirin keeper Dang Van Lam, decided not to shoot but instead tap the ball towards to onrushing right-back Nitipong Selanon, resulting in a simple tap in for the skipper.
The hosts showed great fighting spirit to pull one back via left back Weerawut Kayem, but it was all too little too late as Port extended their lead atop the Thai League table to four points, having played one more game than second-placed Buriram.
Last but not least was the madness that unfolded as Chonburi managed a 7-5 win over Chiangmai FC. Striker Lukian Almeida scoring an astonishing 5 goals on the night, becoming only the 2nd T1 player to do so since Bangkok United’s Dragan Bošković in 2017.