A dramatic late equalizer from substitute Sanchai Nontasila salvaged a point for BG Pathum United in a 1-1 draw against Dong A Thanh Hoain the 2024/25 ASEAN Club Championship on Wednesday at the BG Stadium in Pathum Thani, Thailand. The result leaves both teams’ hopes of advancing to the knockout stage hanging in the balance.
Thanh Hoa captain Doan Ngoc Tan had put the visitors ahead against the run of play, but Sanchai’s crucial goal in the 88th minute ensured the spoils were shared in what was a well-earned draw for BGPU. Both teams now sit on five points after three matches, with two group-stage games remaining.
BGPU started brightly in front of their passionate supporters and wasted no time in testing the Thanh Hoa defense. Their first attempt came early, as Raniel Santana struck a scuffed shot from the edge of the box, easily collected by goalkeeper Trinh Xuan Hoang. Just minutes later, Warinthon Jamnongwat had a chance when played through on goal but could only muster a tame effort.
The Glass Rabbits came close to breaking the deadlock in the 13th minute when a quickly taken free-kick released Christian Gomis, whose low drive forced a sharp save from Trinh Xuan Hoang. Further chances followed, including a header from Marco Ballini and a long-range free-kick from captain Kritsada Kaman, which narrowly missed the target.
Thanh Hoa, meanwhile, maintained a compact shape throughout the first half, waiting patiently for opportunities to counterattack. The Lam Son Warriors’ best chance came just before halftime when Luiz Antonio delivered a dangerous free-kick into the box, but the header glanced just over the bar. Despite BGPU’s dominance in possession, the first half ended goalless.
The second half began with a burst of intensity from BGPU, but reigning Vietnamese National Cup champions Thanh Hoa remained resolute in defense. Just 30 seconds into the half, Freddy Alvarez unleashed a fierce shot that sailed narrowly over the bar. In the 56th minute, substitute Ilhan Fandi had a golden opportunity when sent through on goal, but his shot was expertly blocked. Moments later, Raniel’s thunderous effort from the edge of the box forced another desperate scramble from the Thanh Hoa defense.
As the game opened up, Thanh Hoa began to grow in confidence, venturing more frequently into the opposition’s box. Their best chance came in the 69th minute when Yago Ramos connected with a brilliant header destined for the top corner, only for Saranon Anuin to produce a stunning save. A minute later, Thanh Hoa struck against the run of play. A flick-on from Ramos found Ngoc Tan, who volleyed superbly into the far corner, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead.
BGPU responded with urgency, throwing everything forward in search of an equalizer. In the 74th minute, Santipharp Channgom failed to capitalize on a poor clearance from Trinh Xuan Hoang, while Raniel’s effort soon after narrowly missed the target. Thanh Hoa had a chance to seal the game, but Ngoc Tan sliced his shot wide.
The breakthrough for BGPU finally came in the 88th minute. After Ilhan’s shot cannoned off the post, substitute Sanchai was in the right place to bundle the ball home, much to the relief of the home crowd. It was a deserved equalizer for Surachai Jaturapattarapong’s side, who had pressed relentlessly throughout the game.
Next up, BGPU will face Shan United in Myanmar on Wednesday, January 22, while Thanh Hoa will host Svay Rieng in Vietnam on the same day.