A dramatic last-minute goal from veteran striker Teerasil Dangda secured BG Pathum United’s maiden Thai League Cup victory with a 1-0 win over a ten-man Muangthong United on Sunday night.
Teerasil scored the decisive goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time at Thammasat Stadium. Post-match, he expressed that winning the Thai League Cup was a significant consolation for BGPU, who finished 4th in the recently-concluded 2023/24 Thai League 1 campaign, exited the 2023/24 AFC Champions League in the group stages, and were eliminated by Chonburi FC in the second round of the 2023/24 Thai FA Cup.
“It was a strong performance by both sides, and I believe the spectators enjoyed an exciting contest,” remarked Teerasil, who used to play for Muangthong for 10 years between 2009 and 2019, “This is our first triumph in this tournament. While our goal was to win the Thai League 1 title, this victory compensates for our disappointment in the league.”
Muangthong, who suffered inconsistencies throughout most of the season before a strong run saw them finish 5th in the league, dominated the first half, creating most of the scoring opportunities.
A close call came late in the first half when Jaroensak Wonggorn delivered a precise cross to Poramet Arjvirai, but BGPU defender Aphisit Sorada thwarted Poramet’s shot.
In the final moments before halftime, Muangthong’s Picha Autra squandered a clever pass from Thanawat Suengchitthaworn.
BGPU improved significantly in the second half, but their control of the match only solidified in the 57th minute when Muangthong were reduced to ten men.
Sathaporn Daengsi fouled Freddy Alvarez just outside the box, earning his second yellow card.
A VAR check awarded BGPU a penalty, but Costa Rican attacking midfielder Alvarez missed the mark, sending his shot over the bar.
The Glass Rabbits had a goal disallowed in the 62nd minute after VAR determined that Chanathip Songkrasin fouled Muangthong goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan before assisting Ikhsan Fandi.
In the final added minute, a cross from Chananan Pombupha was expertly finished by Teerasil, clinching the victory for BGPU.
The match was a rather somber swansong for veteran goalkeeper Kawin, who after the match announced his retirement after a 17 year-long playing career. The 36-year old shot-stopper had made over 100 appearances for Muangthong across two spells, as well as stints abroad with Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and OH Leuven and a brief period at Muangthong’s bitter rivals Port FC, while also collecting 69 caps for the Thailand national team.