AFC Cup

[Tobi]

From Chonburi and Bangkok we had about 20 People going to Kedah (2 by plane, 6 by train, other by car). Additional about 30 Thai Students living in Kedah.

For the next match in Vietnam we should be arround 50 People from Chonburi.

[Nigb]

thanks for that, I'm thinking of making an away trip.
Chonburi FC organise these away trips as some kind of package tour?

[Tobi]

Not really. Some fanclubs organised it by themselves. The Vietnam trip now will be organised by one person who also often organise the away busses in the TPL. He has good connections to the Club and also is doing some volunteer work for the club, but nothing official.

[Vinnie]

Good on those who follow their clubs over land and sea. The furthest I got with Stamford was the Isle of Wight!

[Tobi]

I love it. Your are just somewhere, far away from home and you meet your guys over there. Maybe, you are not as much as them, maybe you are rellay tired, maybe it costs you a lot of money and holyday... but... you are there. Not only for 90 minutes of football, sometimes really boring matches. You are there to support your team, to present your team and to be together with friends.

[SriRachaShark]

Good on those who follow their clubs over land and sea. The furthest I got with Stamford was the Isle of Wight!

I've managed two trips to Singapore to watch the mighty Sharks

You've got an "overseas" match in Laos to look forward to this season, Vinnie.

[Tobi]

So... For the match in Vietnam we have actual a group of 21 people from Chonburi/Bangkok flying to Hanoi.

[SriRachaShark]

So... For the match in Vietnam we have actual a group of 21 people from Chonburi/Bangkok flying to Hanoi.

I should have been 22 : (

Still, I'll be at the final : )

[Tobi]

23...

After the group stage, there would be some nice destinations. We will see.

Final in Bahrrain?

[charade_2010]

Hanoi ACB 0-2 Chonburi FC
Thai side in easy win HANOI:

Thailand’s Chonburi FC maintained their perfect start to life in Group G of the AFC Cup with a comfortable 2-0 win over Hanoi ACB on Tuesday evening.

Kiatisuk Senamuang’s team were on top throughout the 90 minutes as they picked up a third straight win to sit on top of the standings at the halfway stage of the group phase of the competition.

Arthit Sunthornphit and Ekaphan Inthasen scored in the second half to earn Chonburi the win against a Hanoi side that has struggled so far to find their feet in this competition, winning just once so far.

Despite their mixed form, the home side had high hopes of challenging the Thais but it was Kiatisuk’s team that dictated the rhythm of the game and it was a surprise that it took them until the second half before they opened the scoring.

Seven minutes after the restart, Chonburi were awarded a free kick 20 yards from the Hanoi goal and Arthit struck with aplomb to give his side the lead with a fine effort.

Eight minutes later, the Thais had doubled their advantage. This time Ekaphan evaded the Hanoi defence when he popped up on the right wing before firing off an unstoppable shot.

Hanoi head coach Nguyen Cong Vinh attempted to rally his troops and, although the home side threatened to pull a goal back, there was little they could do to deny Chonburi a well deserved win.

PEA 1-3 Binh Duong: Hosts pay the price for goalkeeping errors

BANGKOK: Vietnamese champions Binh Duong overwhelmed Thailand’s Provincial Electricity Authority 3-1 at a soggy Supachalasai Stadium to stay in contention in Group H of the AFC Cup on Tuesday.

The visitors capitalised on a pair of goalkeeping errors to go two goals up by the break before fending off a torrent of second-half attacks by a PEA side desperate to cling on to their group lead.

Binh Duong dominated the first half with a stream of long balls and crosses that proved dangerous on a rain-soaked surface on which flowing football was almost impossible.

Nguyen Vu Phong and Nguyen Anh Duc tested a nervous-looking PEA goalkeeper Umarin Yaodum early on and their efforts paid off in the 21st minute when a corner from the left was fumbled by Umarin and poorly cleared.

Tran Truong Giang fired back a low cross which ricocheted around the area and fell to Philani Kubeka, who prodded home from six yards.

The Vietnamese side were gifted their second goal on 34 minutes when Nguyen Hoang Vuong pumped a speculative high ball from the halfway line into the area, which an unchallenged Umarin comically punched into his own net.

The Thai champions came out fighting and pulled one back a minute after half-time when Henri Joel Kouakou threaded the ball through to Supakit Jinajai, who coolly slotted past the advancing keeper.

The hosts almost equalised near the hour mark when Narongchai Vachiraban’s powerful free-kick from the left curled just wide of the far post.

PEA were painfully close to leveling six minutes later when Narongchai fired in another potent free kick, which was headed onto his own crossbar by substitute Nguyen Huu Thang.

PEA’s frustrations were compounded with 15 minutes to go when Ronnachai Rangsiyo’s neat header was spectacularly turned over the bar by the keeper.

Kesley Alves ensured three points for the visitors in their only attack of the half when he eased past the PEA defence and side-footed past Umarin from close range.

[Vinnie]

I saw the goals from the PEA game, very sloppy.
Chonburi are the Thai Bayern Munich! Average and unpredictable in the league but unstoppable in continental competition!

[lokomotive]

I saw the goals from the PEA game, very sloppy.
Chonburi are the Thai Bayern Munich! Average and unpredictable in the league but unstoppable in continental competition!

Vinnie, be careful in what you writing. ;-) Few hours before the game Barca vs Bayern. You will see who is unstoppable. And for sure it will not be Bayern Munich. ....unfortunately...

[Vinnie]

Sorry Loko!!!!!!!! I jinxed Bayern! 

[oTRo]

hello from Vietnam, I'm here to be a good friend!
You can see the hightlight of Hanoi ACB - Chonburi game here:
http://www28.24h.com.vn/news/detail/297/223276/video-clip-hnacb-chonburi-dang-cap.24h

[Nigb]

thanks oTRo, welcome to the webboard

[lokomotive]

Does someone of you know whether one of the the games will be televised or broadcasted via internet today?

[SriRachaShark]

True Sports will be showing the Chonburi match in Thailand. I'll be able to watch the second half when I finish work.

You should be able to find it somewhere on the internet.

[lokomotive]

True is difficult to find. I had hopes that Channel 11 or so will be broadcasting. Thanks anyway shark.

[charade_2010]

Chonburi 6-0 Hanoi: Thais in last 16

BANGKOK - Thailand’s Chonburi FC confirmed their place in the next round of the AFC Cup after they romped to a 6-0 victory over Vietnam side Hanoi ACB at the Supachalasai Stadium.

Goals from Phanawut Junta, Kone Mohamed, Pipob On-mo, Suree Sukha, Anderson and Kraisorn Pancharoen gave the Thai side their fourth win in four matches, with 13 goals scored and only one conceded.

Buoyed by a small but vocal home crowd, Chonburi went ahead after 15 minutes when Phanawut fired a superb shot into the top right corner from inside the area.

Kone could have added two more within the next five minutes but he squandered a pair of clear-cut opportunities.

The Ivorian made amends after 21 minutes when he prodded home from close range after a perfect cross from Ekaphan Inthasen.

The game was one-way traffic throughout and Chonburi came close twice more with Brazilian Anderson shooting over the bar from six yards and Thai international Suree blasting just wide with only the keeper to beat.

The home side's hunger for goals brought them a third on the brink of half-time when Ekaphan’s pinpoint cross was headed down and into the net by captain Pipob.

Chonburi capitalised on poor Hanoi defending after the restart with Ekaphan firing just wide.

Hanoi’s only real chance of the game came after 55 minutes when Alexandre Da Silva shot tamely at the keeper when clean through on goal.
Chonburi claimed their fourth goal five minutes after the hour mark when Suttinun Phukhom’s downward header was back-heeled into the net by Suree.

Suree was then left frustrated when he was gifted a perfect chance but fired over the bar.

Chonburi soon made it five with Anderson blasting a low angled shot past the keeper and into the bottom corner. He almost scored again soon after when he headed Arthit Sunthapornphit’s cross wide of the post.

Kraisorn then converted a 90th-minute penalty to complete the rout .

Chonburi could have scored 10 goals 

[oTRo]

4th day was a good day for Thai sides:
• Chonburi (Thailand) - Hanoi ACB (Vietnam): 6 - 0
- The hometeam was too good for Hanoi ACB.
- Hanoi ACB came Thailand without their coach and their best players. They're now focusing on the dosmetic matches.
- Video: http://www28.24h.com.vn/news/detail/297/225579/Video-Chonburi--Ha-Noi-ACB-Nhiem-vu-bat-kha-thi.24h


• Binh Duong FC (Vietnam) - PEA (Thailand): 1 - 1, an exciting game.
- It rains again in the match between the 2 teams.
- Binh Duong was the better team. They created many chances to score but missed all.
- First half result: 0 - 0.
- It was 59th min. in the second haft that Narongchai supprisingly scored a beautiful goal with a volley outside the box.
- After the goal, Binhduong pushed their squad and finally equalized with another beautiful volley by striker Anh Duc. The clock said 93'.
- Both coach were pleased with the result.
- Some photos:

[SriRachaShark]

What a poor competition this is. The AFC have said that they want to raise standards throughout the region (which is a good thing) but the AFC Cup seems to be holding this back.

I saw Chonburi beat an extremely poor Eastern Athletic side 4-1 in our opening match and now we have beaten an even worse team 6-0! If it's true that Hanoi sent an understrength side and no coach then they should be fined heavily.

It's bad enough that we (and PEA) are being made to travel to BKK to play these games but if other clubs aren't taking the competition seriously then the AFC should act.

It also looks bad when there are only a couple of thousand people in a big stadium, or in PEA's case a few hundred, when both clubs could fill their own grounds and create a decent atmosphere. It wouldn't take much to ensure that both stadia could cope with the crowds and satisfy safety standards.

I didn't bother going last night and I'm glad that I didn't. I only saw the second half on the TV and it was embarrassing. I'm expecting (hoping) that the standard will improve in the next round but I'd like to see some improvements in the way this competition is run.

By the way, I'll be on here crowing if we win it ; )

[Vinnie]

First goal was beautiful though.

[charade_2010]

Binh Duong 1-1 PEA: Anh Duc rescues point for Binh Duong

 

BINH DUONG – Nguyen Anh Duc netted a precious equaliser deep into stoppage time as Vietnam league champions Binh Duong rescued a 1-1 draw in their Group H encounter against Thailand’s Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) on Tuesday.

The home side dominated proceedings at Binh Duong Stadium but fell behind to a Narongchai Vachiraban strike just before the hour.

The Thai champions appeared to have done enough to avenge a 3-1 loss in Bangkok a fortnight ago but were denied victory when Anh Duc levelled with a spectacular bicycle kick in the fifth added minute.

The result left the two teams tied on seven points, two behind leaders Home United, who hammered Valencia of the Maldives 5-1 in Singapore.

Binh Duong suffered a huge blow before the match when Kesley Alves, who recently became a Vietnamese citizen, failed a fitness test, leaving the Vietnamese team without their leading scorer in the AFC Cup.

Nguyen Duc Thien partnered South African striker Philani Kubheka up front but nerves appeared to get the better of the youngster who squandered a number of chances to open the scoring in the first half.

Anh Duc should have broken the deadlock early on but was denied by PEA goalkeeper Samuel Cunningham, who was drafted in to replace the shaky Umarin Yaodam, whose errors proved costly in the earlier loss to Binh Duong.

PEA also had their chances and Binh Duong keeper Nguyen The Anh did well to keep out efforts by Lamnao Singto in the 24th minute and Ronnachai Rangsiyo shortly afterwards.

Duc Thien missed another excellent opening in the 52nd minute after playing a neat one-two with Kubheka while at the other end, PEA playmaker Narongchai went close with a long-range effort that flew just wide.

Narongchai would make no mistake though seven minutes later when his beautifully-struck volley gave the Thais the lead.

Binh Duong stepped up the pressure in an attempt to claw back the deficit and the match threatened to boil over in the closing minutes as Binh Duong’s Nguyen Hoang Vuong and PEA’s Patiparn Phetphun were both shown red cards in the 88th minute.

But the hosts would grab an equaliser in the dying seconds as Anh Duc scored with a bicycle kick to keep alive Binh Duong’s hopes for a spot in the knockout stage.

Well , I know PEA is not paid attention to by most of Chonburi fans here  .

[druryfire]

SRS - I understand your concerns with the compeition. But i personally think AFC are working in the correct way.

I couple of points that i can think of that may give a bit more understanding to the tournement in general.

Hanoi, personally have gone on record as stating that they don't really want to play in the tournement at all. The reason why? Simply because they are a 2nd level team in Vietnam. They qualified through a cup torunement, and generally their main focus is on promotion this season. Which a small squad only generally allows them to play one competition with much focus.

Eastern AA, again qualified through their cup. This seaosn, domestically they are terrible.

Therefore, the  AFC need to state that the AFC Cup will only allow domestic league winners or runners up to enter as it's not uncommon to see midldle ranking teams win their domestic cups but do nothing over a 26-20 game league season. Basically, making some nations send their best team (league winner) and sometimes there 6th best team for example (cup winner / maybe runner up?)

The AFC Cup also has a history of East Asia being push overs. It's not been uncommon to see East Asian nations romp to win the Group Stage and then get knocked out by West Asian teams at the first hurdle. This is when the real competition will start.

AFC also made amenedments to the Champions League to stop teams like the former KTB getting thumped just like last season. Again the same is happening for SAFFC this year, but they qualified by beating PEA.

The problem is the large gulf between AFC Cup and AFC Champions Legaue.

In my opinion, the likes of Chonburi are stuck because they are more than professional enough against any team they come up against in East Asian side of AFC Cup, but lack the experience for Champions League. The only way they now get this is by winning AFC Cup, of which again, anythign can happen when you reach the latter stages.

The only problem with AFC Cup is that the AFC have made it too big.  They need to again, limit the numbers, just like it was last year.

But this is where the AFC have a problem, because if they remove nations, then they filter down again into the Presidents Cup, and would play even weaker teams so there's no middle ground.

All AFC can hope for, is that sides will improve on the back of these 6-0 troucnings. If not then they have to do something very radical, such as a straight knockout tournement involving every nation.

But end of, the competition will get more intense come the knockout stage (probably not first knockout, but when it's an open draw) and thats when we will see serious competition against the best of Kuwait, Iraq, Syria etc.

[jakartacasual]

the same can be said for the indonesian sides. psms were runners up last season but are no wighting against relegation. meanwhile sriwijaya are having a good season domestically but their results in the acl are awful.

the gap is massive and without investment and proper leadership, not politicos, it will only get worse

[Vinnie]

That's some good analysis DF. The competition will become tougher and more meaningful for Chonburi once they are up against West Asian/Middle East sides. I think it's great that Chonburi are taking the competition seriously. It would be massive for them, and potentially very important for Thai football, if they can go on and get to the final or even win it.

[lokomotive]

Intersting to read. But I would like to throw some other points into the ring than. Cause I do not agree 100%.

First of all I think such kind of results and bad performances had have happened all over the years since AFC is organizing Cup competition. And according to your post, drury, the best thing would be to install a cup winners cup again. On the other hand take a look to Europe.
Last year QotS from Scottland (2nd League) qualified für the UEFA Cup, without having any chance t qualify for the next round. In Germany this week with Mainze05, a second league team has been in the Halfinal!! It would had been possible fot them to play in the UEFA cup next year. You are talking about bad results and poor performances? What about the CL results from Bayern Munich vs Sporting Lisbon or vs Barca? What about the results of United in recent years during the CL Campaign like vs Roma two years ago!! Is that so different? I dont really think so. And if I am a supporter of a second or even lower league club which is able to win the national cup an is qualified for International tournament, I would be thrilled!! And I guess the club as well. Even you know that you might play only one round.

The gap is big, between the Japanese and Vietnam or Singapore as example. But compare the EPL with leagues in Slovakia, or Latvia or however. Isn't it the same? The gap is big as well!! Therefore I don't really would blame the AFC.

Btw, presidents cup has the same prob. since 2005 two clubs are dominating and winning the cup. Other teams don't have a chance.

[druryfire]

Loko, i know what you mean, but what i mean by cup compeition is to just throw all teams into one cup - league winners, runners up, cup winners etc from every nation. Have some kind of seeded draw like they do in Europe and play however many rounds until you get your 32 top seeds for Champions League and 32 other teams for AFC Cup.

Then we can go group phase, but it will also provide that little bit of hope that some teams such as Chonburi currrently don't have in playing the best of Asia.

Currently, AFC are holding  back progressive clubs like Chonburi and they need testing. So OK, they move to play Japanese club and get stuffed or whatever, but they do need that experience

I understand what AFC are doing now, but we could still be talking about this in 5 / 6 years time when Chonburi are still stuffing Hanoi but are held back because the road between Bkk and Chonburi has a pothole or whatever?

[lokomotive]

Ok I got your point. But I am not sure a seeding system will help. Because using a system like in Europe, would not prevent that the champ from Singapore is playing vs the champ from Japan. And didn't had we a qualifiaction for CL that year? SAFFC was gone through, but they don't have any chance. I am not sure whether PEA would have chance if they would had gone through instead of them. the AFC Group where PEA is playing now in,  is a tight race. I think overall there not be the golden middle way. Some groups are tight and interesting. Some not. And I am sure. as you meniotned and Vinnie as well, the race for chonburi will be very tough after the groupstage when they will play the west asians. Bayern Munich have been unbeaten in their group and until they had to play vs Barca ....but look what happend. They crashed!! I don't hope this will happen to Chonburi, but I can imagine this. 

[druryfire]

Well, yes, but what i'm trying to get at is that a seeded draw would bring the better seeds agaisnt the lower seeds.

So for example, Chonburi would at least get two games (home and away) to test themselves (lets call them Gamba Osaka) and if defeated would filter into the AFC Cup.

If win, then move into ACL, simply because they deserve it.

Of course, you need a seeded draw, if it wasn't, then Chonburi might get drawn with Phomn Penh.

All this would do is make the best, proven over two games, play the best and then move the losers to play losers.

Nobody could then complain that they are not having at least one round that is a challenge. Of course, you then move back into the AFC Cup and ACL and might again find some groups that are certianly one sided.

But, to be honest, the AFC are working with the best they have. They can only help clubs so much. But they have given that very slim lifeline of playing ACL if you do prove too strong for the rest of AFC Cup criteria.

But just remember, Japan started like Thai league is now back in 1993. Within 15 years, TPL could be just as strong and we will look back on these days that AFC kicked our arses and sent us to this lower compeition to make the leagues more professional (just part of the process), and make national leagues take more pride in other supporting roles for their member teams - such as vision Asia.

[lokomotive]

Good result for PEA. They only need a draw vs Home. But what happend to CFC? Lost 2:1 to Eastern? Unbelivable.

[charade_2010]

Good result for PEA. They only need a draw vs Home. But what happend to CFC? Lost 2:1 to Eastern? Unbelivable.

I hope Chonburi didn't send their sub team to Hongkong . 

Eastern Athletic 2-1 Chonburi: Boost for HK team

HONG KONG – Eastern Athletic kept their hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the AFC Cup alive after Julius Akosah’s late header secured a 2-1 win over Group G winners Chonburi FC on Tuesday.

Ekaphan Inthasen fired the visitors ahead after 29 minutes but after Yang Xu’s second-half header pulled Eastern level and Chonburi’s Surat Sukha was sent-off in the closing stages, Cameroonian frontman Akosah struck to ensure Eastern head into their final match against Hanoi ACB still in with a chance of reaching the last 16.

Eastern had the ball in the net after just six minutes but Wong Chun-yue had strayed offside as be broke into the area before providing the cross for Tam Lok-hin.

The visitors, without the majority of their first team regulars with their place in the last 16 already assured, should have opened the scoring three minutes later as Mohamed Kone released strike partner Anderson but with only goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai to beat, the Brazilian rolled his effort past the post.

But Chonburi made the breakthrough after 29 minutes as Anderson powered his way to the byline before picking out the onrushing Ekaphan, who fired low into the corner from just inside the area.

After a slow start to the second-half, Yapp was forced to scramble across his goal on the hour mark to block Anderson’s effort as the Brazilian looked to turn home Ekaphan’s cross at the far post.

At the other end, Eastern’s Akosah looked to sneak an effort past Sujin Naknayom at his near post but the visiting goalkeeper comfortably made the save.

With 20 minutes remaining Sujin almost handed Eastern an equaliser as he failed to hold a cross but Akosah and Tam failed to pounce on the loose ball before the Cameroonian sent a stooping header over from the resulting corner.

But Eastern’s spell of pressure paid off with 18 minutes remaining as defender Yang ghosted in at the back post to head home.

Chonburi’s Surat picked up a second yellow card with eight minutes remaining before Akosah sent a looping header over Sujin three minutes later to snatch a valuable three points and end Chonburi’s 100% record in the group.

Just as the final whistle sounded at Mong Kok Stadium, Chonburi’s Suttinun Phukhom was also sent-off after clashing with Eastern substitute Yu Ho-pong.

PEA 4-1 Valencia: Big win for Thais

BANGKOK - Thailand's Provincial Electricity Authority boosted their chances of reaching the next phase of the AFC Cup with a comfortable 4-1 win over Valencia of the Maldives at the Supachalasai Stadium on Tuesday.

Lamnao Singto scored a first-half brace and Ronnachai Rangsiyo and Rangsan Vivatchaichok converted after the break to give the Ayutthaya side 10 points from their five matches played in Group H.

PEA were in control right from the start and drew first blood on 22 minutes when Lamnao popped up unmarked in front of goal to head home with ease from close range.

Visanusak Kaewruang and Chaiwut Watthana came close for the Thai league champions when they both found themselves with time and space in front of goal but fired straight at keeper Sareer Ali.
Lamnao was a constant menace to Valancia and looked set to score his second on 43 minutes when he struck a fine curling shot into the far corner, but the ball crashed off the post and rolled across the face of goal.

But his persistence paid off and he found his brace in first-half stoppage time when he dragged back a low cross from the dangerous Ronnachai and prodded the ball into the net from a yard out.

The Thai side burst into action after the restart and attacked the Valencia goal in search of a third, but the Maldivian side reduced the deficit against the run of play on 56 minutes when Waheed Wilran coolly netted a penalty.

With the visitors still celebrating, PEA restored their two-goal lead when Thai international Ronnachai stroked a low shot beyond Ali and into the far corner.

Ronnachai could have scored again just after the hour when he blasted the ball at the keeper. His frustrations were compounded moments later when he went clean through on goal and shot wide of the post without a defender in sight.

Despite trailing, Valancia refused to give in and tried to haul themselves back into the game with 20 minutes left, with Ibrahim Shiyim twice denied.

Rangsan ensured all three points with two minutes remaining when he netted an audacious chipped spot kick into the roof of the net after a disputed foul in the area.

[Vinnie]

I've just been checking the dates for the Round of 16 matches that will follow the group stage. According to the AFC site, www.the-afc.com , half the matches will be played on the 26th May and the other half (including Chonburi's match) will be played on the 23rd June. Why the month gap? Why aren't all the ties played during the same week?

[lokomotive]

In the next round CFC will have to play PSMS Medan from Indonesia. If PEA would go through they can face South China AA, Eastern AA or Kedah.

[jakartacasual]

bummer i m in bangkok in june but leave on 22...

[SriRachaShark]

Good result for PEA. They only need a draw vs Home. But what happend to CFC? Lost 2:1 to Eastern? Unbelivable.

A disappointing and somewhat surprising result. When I saw Eastern Athletic in BKK a few weeks ago they ranked as one of the worst teams I've ever seen. Surely they can't have improved that much?!!

Even more disappointed to have two players sent off. It shows a complete lack of discipline in what, to us at least, was a meaningless game. Rather like Chonlatit's yellow card in the closing stages in the previous match against Hanoi. Silly.

[suria_paya]

hope kedah can beat chonburi for the KO stage.

[Nigb]

Does anyone know if PEA v Home United on 19th will be televised in Thailand

[charade_2010]

Home Utd 3-1 PEA: Idros shines

SINGAPORE – Super-sub Firdaus Idros came off the bench to score twice as Singapore’s Home United downed Thailand’s Provincial Electrical Authority 3-1 at Jalan Besar Stadium on Tuesday to reach the knockout stage of the AFC Cup for the fourth time in six years.

Narongchai Vachiraban’s free-kick cancelled out Peres de Oliveira’s opener for the hosts but Firdaus’ brace ensured that Home joined Group H winners Binh Duong in the last 16.

Home entered the match a point behind PEA and knowing that nothing less than a win would do against the Thais.

They went all out in search of goals from the opening whistle and PEA goalkeeper Umarin Yaodam was kept busy as he turned aside efforts by Shi Jiayi, Peres de Oliveira and Shahril Ishak in the first half.

However there was nothing he could do on the stroke of half-time as Brazilian midfielder de Oliveira curled home a free-kick from the edge of the box to give Home a 1-0 lead.

The Protectors carried on where they left off after the break and continued to dominate but Narongchai levelled for PEA against the run of play in the 56th minute when he crashed a superb free-kick past goalkeeper Lionel Lewis.

Needing a goal to regain the advantage, Protectors coach P N Sivaji sent on Firdaus in place of Itimi Dickson in the 64th minute.

The switch paid off almost immediately as the forward met Shi Jiayi’s cross from the right with a controlled volley from close range to restore his team’s lead three minutes later.

He then sealed victory with a superb effort four minutes from time. Receiving the ball from de Oliveira 25 metres from goal, the youngster left the PEA defence for dead with a quick burst of acceleration before coolly slotting past Umarin.

Home will now advance to take on Hong Kong champions South China in the round of 16 on June 23.

Chonburi 3-1 Kedah: Pipob stars

BANGKOK: Skipper Pipob On-mo scored twice as Chonburi completed their AFC Cup Group G campaign with a 3-1 victory over Kedah at Supachalasai Stadium on Tuesday.

Pipob opened the scoring in the 14th minute before Mohd Khyril Muhymeen equalised for Kedah in the 35th minute.

Pipob added a second for his side in the 40th minute to ensure Chonburi held a slender advantage at the break before substitute Douglas completed the scoring five minutes before full time.

The result means Chonburi finish top of the group with 15 points while Kedah also go through to the last 16 due to Eastern Athletic losing 3-0 at Hanoi ACB.

The Thais had the bulk of the possession early on, passing crisply and controlling the tempo while an enthusiastic crowd adorned in the side's blue shirts beat drums and blew horns.

Chonburi star Surat Sukha was not named in the side ahead of his move to Australian A-league double winners Melbourne Victory. Kedah was first to threaten when Mohd Farizal latched on to a through ball down the right channel but could only manage to put his shot against the foot of the near post.

Then Pipob cut in from the right side on 14 minutes and saw his initial effort blocked by a defender but he blasted the rebound into the roof of the net to put Chonburi ahead.

Kedah equalised after 35 minutes when Muhymeen raced onto a through ball and chipped over the advancing Kosin Hathairattanakool.

Pipob doubled his tally after 40 minutes with a neat volley when a long ball was touched on from the far post and the forward making no mistake.

Chonburi again controlled possession in the second half, coming close with several efforts. But Kedah goalkeeper Helmi Eliza Elias did well to keep the opposing side at bay.

Substitute Douglas completed the Chonburi victory with five minutes remaining when Arthit Sunthornpit sent in a curling free kick from the left. Helmi came out to claim it but missed and Douglas headed home.

Chonburi will face PSMS Medan in Bangkok in the last 16 while Kedah travel to Vietnam to face Binh Duong .

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 


 

[SriRachaShark]

A very satisfying nights work. I know that I've been dismissive of this competition but I'd like to see us progress. It would be great to make the semi-final stage at the very least.

It's a shame that PEA won't be joining us in the KO rounds but Chonburi will keep the Thai flag flying with pride.

I'll be there for the match aginst PSMS.

[charade_2010]

Yes , I am very disappointed about PEA . Maybe they just pay attention to Thailand Premier League .

I'll be there for the match aginst PSMS.

I will watch this match on Truevisions . How can I recognize you     Please show me a signal   

[SriRachaShark]

Yes , I am very disappointed about PEA . Maybe they just pay attention to Thailand Premier League .

I'll be there for the match aginst PSMS.

I will watch this match on Truevisions . How can I recognize you     Please show me a signal  

Just look for the large Oldham Athletic flag : )

[druryfire]

AFC Cup Last 16 match-ups

May 26
Al Maged (Syria) v Neftchi (Uzbekistan)
Kuwait SC (Kuwait) v Dempo SC (India)
Al Arabi (Kuwait) v Safa SC (Lebanon)
Zawra'a Club (Iraq) v Arbil (Iraq)
Busaiteen (Bahrain) v Al Karamah (Syria)

June 23
South China (Hong Kong) v Home United FC (Singapore)
Chonburi Football Club (Thailand) v PSMS Medan (Indonesia)
Becamex Binh Duong FC (Vietnam) v Kedah (Malaysia)

[Vinnie]

I still don't understand why the month gap between the two sets of last 16 fixtures. 
I want to see Chonburi play in the knockout stages but I can't go to round of 16, quarters, semis and final. So I need to judge this carefully. Should Chonburi easily get through to the next round? In which case I won't come until at least the quarters.

[SriRachaShark]

I still don't understand why the month gap between the two sets of last 16 fixtures. 
I want to see Chonburi play in the knockout stages but I can't go to round of 16, quarters, semis and final. So I need to judge this carefully. Should Chonburi easily get through to the next round? In which case I won't come until at least the quarters.

Be warned, Vinnie. The cost of tickets is likely to shoot up to around the B2,500/B3,500 mark if we make it past the next round ; )

[Vinnie]

 
I've just checked last year's AFC Cup calendar and there were big gaps between each knockout round so I shouldn't have any problems doing quarters, semis and final, assuming of course Chonburi get that far.

[sideliner]

Vinnie, here are the AFC Cup dates (according to the 2009 competition calendar) to help your scheduling. Q/F 1 Sept 15, Q/F 2 Sept 30. S/F 1 Oct 15 S/F 2 Oct 21, one off final November 3 (although the story running on www.the-afc.com at the moment seems to contradict this)

[Vinnie]

That settles it then. SRS, I'll see you in Bangkok next month for the PSMS game. 

[sideliner]

The AFC has confirmed that the AFC Cup final will be a one off affair, with the luck of the draw deciding which finalist gets home advantage. Let's hope the game is in Thailand!

www.the-afc.com

KUALA LUMPUR: In line with the changes sweeping Asian football, fans will be treated to a one-leg AFC Cup Final from this year.
Since the AFC Cup’s inception in 2004, the Finals of the second-tier tournament have been played over two legs.
The decision to have a one-off Final has been approved by the AFC Competitions Committee and ratified by the AFC Executive Committee.
The single Final match will be hosted by one of the two participating clubs who have qualified for the Final. The host will be determined by a draw during the knockout stage draw for the 2009 edition.
The AFC Cup’s Round of 16 - also a single round - commences next week, before the two-legged quarter-finals (September) and semi-finals (October).
The tentative date of the AFC Cup Final is November 3, four days before the AFC Champions League Final, which is scheduled to be played on November 7 in Japan.

[jakartacasual]

That settles it then. SRS, I'll see you in Bangkok next month for the PSMS game. 

me too