Gian Chansrichawla
Football Tribe SEA Editor
Two of the J-League’s Thai Stars returned from international duty on fine form, as both Chanathip Songkrasin and Theerathon Bunmathan made their mark for Consadole Sapporo and Yokohama F. Marinos respectively.
Chanathip registered an assist for Consadole in a surprising 3-1 loss against Vegalta Sendai at home. The Thai star’s cutback was met by an incredible first-time long shot which equalized for the Hokkaido Islanders five minutes after half time.
Elsewhere, Theerathon scored Yokohama’s second goal against Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the 81st minute to seal a crucial victory in their race for a Champions League. His effort deflected off Hayao Kawabe and found its way in at the near post. Their 3-0 victory gave them a four-point lead in third place over Kawasaki Frontale.
Unfortunately, the two were not joined by Thitipan Puangchan, who was forced out of action after an injury he sustained in the War Elephants’ match against Vietnam. Oita Trinita confirmed that their midfielder will be out for up to eight weeks, missing a crucial part of the J.League season and Thailand’s game against the UAE next month.
#大分トリニータ
#ティティパン 選手の怪我、右ハムストリングス肉離れ全治8
週間と診断されました。
引き続きご声援をお願いします🙇♂️#トップチームhttps://t.co/QFJsWndhj6 pic.twitter.com/aaTU2qtH94
— 【公式】大分トリニータ (@TRINITAofficial) September 11, 2019
With Akira Nishino now at the helm for Thailand, their J-League contingent continues to be crucial for the War Elephants’ success.