Gian Chansrichawla
Football Tribe Thailand
Thai football was shaken on Wednesday by the tragic news of five Port FC fans who lost their lives in a road accident on their way to watch their side take on Nongbua Pitchaya FC in the League Cup. The rest of the league offered their condolences, while Port themselves were quick to offer support to the victim’s families, pledging to raise money and hold memorial services during their next home game.
On a day in which the game seemed irrelevant in light of the tragic events, Nongbua Pitchaya managed to come away with a 3-2 win.
Elsewhere, defending champions Chiangrai United managed an impressive 4-0 victory over T2 outfit Khonkaen FC. Goals from Atthawit Sukchuai, Sarawut Inpaen, Bill Rosimar, and Kritsana Kasemkulvilai completed a demolition job of the second tier side, as the Beetles extended their run to four consecutive wins across all competitions.
Bangkok United took on promotion hopefuls Sisaket in a water-logged pitch at the Sri Nakhon Lamduan stadium. Despite the tough conditions and travel fatigue, goals from Everton Goncalves, Alexander Stieghart and Teerathep Winothai carried the side through to a 3-1 victory.
Buriram United also managed to find their way into the last 16. The side were held to a 1-1 draw by Rayong FC in regulation time, but a goal from Supachok Sarachart and a brace from Pedro Junior saw the Thunder Castle run out 4-1 winners after 120 minutes of football.
After pulling off a 3-0 victory over Muangthong United at the weekend, Samut Prakan City were eliminated on penalties against amateur side Thonburi University. The Sea Fang lined up a mostly reserve side, and Brazilian striker Ibson Melo came on after the half-time break but was unable to rescue his side from elimination. Meanwhile, the Kirin suffered yet another defeat in what has been a woeful season for the four-time Thai League champions. Despite fielding a full-strength squad, Muangthong were dumped out of the competition courtesy of an 86th-minute goal from Brazilian striker Josimar.
Additionally, two sides from the fourth tier managed victories over T1 opposition, as Muang Loei United knocked out Suphanburi with an impressive 2-1 win, while Trat FC were beaten 3-1 by Surat Thani City.