Buriram United have managed to clinch the domestic double after they saw off local rivals Nakhon Ratchasima Mazda in Sunday’s 2021/22 Thai FA Cup final at the True Stadium in Pathum Thani. Having already won the 2021/22 Thai League 1 title, Buriram were made to work hard for their second domestic silverware of the season by a stubborn Swat Cats before Jonathan Bolingi scored the Thunder Castles’ winner deep into extra-time.
Four-time Thai FA Cup winner Buriram are seeking to win their fifth title in the competition, that would made them the joint-most successful club in the competition alongside Rajpracha FC. Nakhon Ratchasima, on the other hand, are appearing in their first-ever major final.
The Isaan Derby between Buriram and Nakhon Ratchasima has always served up tense, hard-fought encounters between the two biggest teams of the Isaan region in Northeastern Thailand and Sunday’s Thai FA Cup final – the first such major final to feature the derby – was no exception.
Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo-bound Supachok Sarachat carved up the first chance of the game in the 12th minute, teeing up former Vissel Kobe attacker Ayub Masika who then fired off a weak shot that was saved by Nakhon Ratchasima’s veteran goalkeeper Pisan Dorkmaikaew.
Bolingi then hit the woodwork in the 33rd minute, before the second half showed more stalemate. No goals were scored after 90 minutes, which forces the final to go into extra-time.
The two Isaan sides were unable to find the breakthrough throughout extra-time and with penalties looming, Bolingi finally broke the deadlock in the 115th minute. Latching onto a ball from Brazilian teammate Maicon, the DR Congo striker managed to sneak the ball past Dorkmaikaew, sealing Buriram’s second domestic title of the season.
The Thunder Castles have little time to celebrate their success though, as on May 25th they will set their sights on the domestic treble. Buriram will take on Leo Chiangrai United in the 2021/22 Thai League Cup semifinal at the Chonburi Stadium and if they win that match, Buriram will face either Chonburi FC or defending champions PT Prachuap in the final.