Asia AFC Cup

Selangor Held Muangthong in ACL2 Opener

Thailand’s Muangthong United fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Malaysian powerhouses Selangor FC in their 2024/25 AFC Champions League Two Group H opener at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on Thursday.

Muangthong started aggressively, with Kakana Khamyok testing Selangor’s keeper, Azim Al Amin, early on. The Twin Qilins nearly took the lead when Abbosjon Otakhonov set up Poramet Arjvirai, whose header just missed. Selangor, however, had their own chances, with Alvin Fortes and Ali Olwan both denied by Muangthong goalkeeper Kittipong Phuthawchueak.

Selangor broke the deadlock in the 47th minute when Ronnie Fernandez, after a neat combination with Ali Olwan and Yohandry Orozco, fired past Phuthawchueak into the top corner to give the Red Giants the advantage. Muangthong equalized seven minutes later when Tristan Do’s shot was cleared off the line, only for Purachet Thodsanit to score from the rebound.

Both teams had opportunities to take the lead, with Fernandez’s backheel for Selangor saved, while Muangthong’s Arjvirai, Emil Roback, and Songwut Kraikruan all saw their attempts denied by Amin. The match ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw.

Selangor will next face Dynamic Herb Cebu from the Philippines, while Muangthong will take on South Korean giants and group favorites Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.