Obb Deewajin
Football Tribe Thailand
As expected, Buriram United finished the first leg at the top of the table after swatting aside Chiangmai FC. However, Port’s slip-up at Samut Prakan City has allowed them to establish a four-point lead.
The weekend’s first fixture saw Alexandre Gama celebrate his first Thai League win of the year as Muangthong United cruised past 10-man Trat FC 3-0 at the SCG Stadium.
Brazilian forward Heberty netted the opener in the 39th minute and teed up the third goal for Aung Thu – the Myanmar superstar’s first T1 goal of the season. This game also marked the last run out at the SCG Stadium for Lee Ho and Mario Gjurovski.
League leaders Buriram United confirmed their status as the first-leg champions by crushing Chiangmai FC 4-0 with 4 different goalscorers. The side were two goals up before the break, as wingback Sasalak Haiprakhon bent one in from a corner kick before Supachok Sarachat gave them a cushion in first-half stoppage time. Substitute striker Javier Patino extend the lead to 3-0 with a neat outside of the foot finish in the 85th minute before teenage sensation Suphanat Mueanta sealed the deal in stoppage time, rattling off a fine low shot from Sasalak’s cutback.
Buriram United’s win on Saturday really seemed to an extra layer of pressure to Port FC who travel to Samut Prakan City the next day. Captain David Rochela slotted in alongside Tossapol Lated in defense for the suspended Elias Dolah. Deep-lying playmaker Go Seul Ki starts in midfield next to Siwakorn Jakkuprasat.
However, Jadet Meelarp’s men were completely outplayed by the home side who raced into a 2-0 lead within ten minutes. Ibson Melo headed in the corner for the first and created a second for Teeraphol Yoryoei on the counter-attack.
The home side conceded a penalty when Sarawut Kanlayanabandit brought down Sergio Suarez in the area just before half-time, but the Spanish maestro’s shot was denied by keeper Patiwat Khammai. Sarawut then picked up his 2nd yellow for a clumsy foul on right-winger Pakorn Prempak in the 55th minute, but Port had to wait until the 90th to break the deadlock via Suarez’s tap in.
Unfortunately, it was all too little too late and the Lions now trail 4 points from Buriram United. The side was also overtaken by Bangkok United, who smashed PTT Rayong 4-1 with goals from Mike Havenaar, Anon Amornlerdsak, Wisarut Imura, and Pokklaw Anan.
At the other end of the table, Suphanburi FC slumped into after a heavy away defeat to Chiangrai FC. Meanwhile, Chainat avoided slipping into the drop zone with a valuable 1-0 home victory over Chonburi.