True Bangkok United have won the 2023 Thailand Champions Cup after downing Buriram United 2-0 at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on Saturday night.
Runners-up of both the previous season’s league and FA Cup, Bangkok United took on last season’s treble winners Buriram as heavy underdogs for this year’s Thailand Champions Cup.
Both sides were able to field their strongest lineups, with Buriram deploying both Lonsana Doumbouya and Supachai Chaided while Bangkok United had Willen Mota and Thitiphan Puangchan to rely on.
However, it was former Port FC defender Nitipong Selanon who stole the show for Bangkok United, with his presence in the right flank being the driving force behind the Angels’ foray into the Thunder Castles’ defense.
Playing at pretty much their home comforts, Bangkok United tested Siwarak Tedsungnoen in the Buriram goal as early as the first minute, with Rungrath Poomchanthuek firing off a shot that was cleared away by the experienced goalkeeper.
Willen then gave Bangkok United the lead in the 8th minute, with Rungrath once again slicing the Buriram defense open to allow the Brazilian to finish things off from close range.
Both Supachai and Theerathon Bunmathan missed chances for Buriram to equalize, before Bangkok United goalkeeper Patiwat Khanmai practically preserving his side’s slender lead going into half-time after he had denied a long-ranged effort from Peeradol Chamratsamee.
Five minutes into the second half and it was Selanon’s turn to shine, finding former Persebaya Surabaya man Mahmoud Eid who then blasted home past Siwarak to double Bangkok United’s lead.
Selanon then marshaled the Bangkok United defense in soaking up pressure from Buriram throughout the remainder of the match, effectively sealing their first Thailand Champions Cup title.
The win was a morale-boosting one for Bangkok United, who once again seek to become challengers towards Buriram’s ever-dominant presence in Thai football.