Gian Chansrichawla
Football Tribe SEA Editor
Stylish Buriram Hit Six
Buriram United returned to play in front of their home fans at the Chang Arena for the first time since the 21st of July, just a few days short of an entire month. The players ensured that it was worth the wait for the Buriram faithful, who saw their side effortlessly swat away the toothless Dragons.
They made their intentions as clear as the fourth minute when Supachok Sarachart’s effort cannoned off the bar, and finally managed to open the scoring in the 25th minute when Kevin Ingresso floated an incredible ball over the defense, which Suphanat Mueanta managed to gracefully convert from the edge of the six-yard box with a first-time finish.
Buriram had their second three minutes before half time when Andres Tunez slammed home a powerful penalty and added a third seven minutes after the restart when Rattanakorn Maikami arrived at the edge of the box to score his first goal of the season.
The absent-minded defending continued as Supachok Sarachart and Narubadin Weerawatnodom got on the scoresheet with incredible shots from range, before Nacer Barazite finished the job in stoppage time. Six different goalscorers managed to find the net as Buriram laid down a marker, ensuring that their competitors will not have an easy time stopping their title defense.
Sukhothai Steal a Point at the Singha Stadium
Buriram’s day was made even better later that evening when Chiangrai United failed to pick up all three points for the second consecutive home game as they drew 1-1 with relegation battling Sukhothai.
The hosts conceded a fair share of chances in the opening minutes of the game, with tensions high after consecutive eliminations from both domestic cups in recent weeks. The feeling of dispair was exacerbated as Iain Ramsey latched on to the end of John Baggio’s cross and headed the ball beyond stranded goalkeeper Apirak Worawong.
It took until the final ten minutes of the game for Chiangrai to hit an equalizer, as Brinner Henrique found the net with an impressive overhead kick. However, they were unable to find a second and the result ultimately left them three points behind Buriram in second place.
Meanwhile, the Firebats are now unbeaten in their last four league outings and have pushed themselves two points clear of Chainat in the relegation zone.