Southeast Asia Thailand

Chiangrai Replace Buriram as League Leaders

Obb Deewajin

Football Tribe Thailand

 

Nakhon Ratchasima FC finally ended their six-game winless run in the Thai League with a crucial 3-1 victory over PT Prachuap FC. Brazilian striker Leandro Assumpcao was the standout player for the Swatcats, netting a wonder freekick in the 67th minute to reclaim his side’s 2-1 lead. Five minutes from time, Leandro collected the ball within the Killer Wasp half and charged towards goal, drawing three defenders to himself before playing the ball through to Bernard Henry for a fine finish.

At another 17:45 kickoff game, striker Heberty Fernandes’ individual brilliance helped Muangthong United to a 2-0 win over visiting Chainat Hornbill FC. The home side took an early lead in the first minute, as Heberty netted with a cheeky lobbed finished thanks to Aung Thu’s assist from the inside left channel. The Hornbill’s high pressing tactic restricted  Muangthong within their half for most of the first half, and they nearly equalized midway through the first half when target man Ricardo Santos’ downward header bounced over the bar. 

Yet, Chainat’s lapse in concentration at the beginning of the second half allowed the Kirin to counter – Dang Van Lam’s long throw found Heberty, who sprinted through before squaring it for Aung Thu. This result extended Alexandre Gama’s perfect home record as Muangthong United head coach to 5 games, moving them to sixth place on the T1 table.

Speaking of a successful run at home, Sasom Pobprasert‘s Chonburi FC beat Bangkok United 2-1 in torrid weather conditions. Striker Herlison Caion dodge in front of Puttinan Wannasri, who was caught ball watching, got on the end of a cross from the left flank and opened the scoring in the 32nd minute. Sittichok Paso then doubled the Shark’s lead on the hour mark with a delightful chip over Michael Falkesgaard. Nelson Bonilla pulled one back for Bangkok in extra-time but it’s was too little too late. The Angels have now dropped five points from their last three matches, stuck at 5th place with four points away from the top.

Another title challenger dropping points on Wednesday night is Samut Prakan City FC. A Picha Autra brace put the Sea Fang by two goals after 47 minutes, but somehow the side managed to lose 5-2 to a resurgent Ratchaburi side. 

During the must-watch game of matchday 21, Chiangrai United entertained Buriram United, who are about to fend off their top spot for the third week in a row. 

Defender Brinner Henrique found a little bit of space thanks to Pansa Hemviboon’s soft marking and headed in from an inswinging corner kick. Bill Rosimar then made it two with an excellent solo effort – skipping past Pansa with ease then rifled a left-foot shot into the far post. Attacking midfielder Supachok Sarachat was Buriram’s best chance going forward but nothing much is coming from anyone else. 

In the 62nd minute, Bill Rosimar headed in a corner kick from close-range. Moments later, substitute Ekkanit Panya glided past the Buriram defense, nutmegging opposition captain Andres Tunez the along the way, before firing a near-post shot past Siwarak Tedsungnoen.

Supachok found his way into a crowded penalty area after a delicate give-and-go with Suphanat Mueanta and almost pulled one back for the Thunder Castle but was blocked by the onrushing keeper. 

It finished 4-0 to the home team, with the Beetles replacing Buriram at first place. 

Elsewhere, Port FC won a hard-fought battle at Trat FC, giving new coach Choketawee Promrut two wins from two. Sukhothai FC also beat PTT Rayong 3-1, their first league win in five outings and the first time they scored three goals in a game this season.