AFC Cup

[SriRachaShark]

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

me too

I'm hoping to drag a few people from work along too. Should be a good night. : )

[druryfire]

Round of 16:

West Asia


May 26
Al Maged (Syria) 0 v 0 Neftchi (Uzbekistan)  (1-3 pens)
Kuwait SC (Kuwait) 3 v 1 Dempo SC (India)
Al Arabi (Kuwait) 2 v 1 Safa SC (Lebanon)  (AET)
Zawra'a Club (Iraq) 1 v 3 Arbil (Iraq)
Busaiteen (Bahrain) 1 v 2 Al Karamah (Syria) (AET)

So, anyone fancy a potential trip to Uzbekistan, Kuwait, Jordan or Syria come September?

[SriRachaShark]

Round of 16:

West Asia


May 26
Al Maged (Syria) 0 v 0 Neftchi (Uzbekistan)  (1-3 pens)
Kuwait SC (Kuwait) 3 v 1 Dempo SC (India)
Al Arabi (Kuwait) 2 v 1 Safa SC (Lebanon)  (AET)
Zawra'a Club (Iraq) 1 v 3 Arbil (Iraq)
Busaiteen (Bahrain) 1 v 2 Al Karamah (Syria) (AET)

So, anyone fancy a potential trip to Uzbekistan, Kuwait, Jordan or Syria come September?

I'd certainly be up for a trip to Iraq!! Unfortunately, Arbil will have to play their next "home" match on neutral territory.

[lokomotive]

I think Kuwait would be the best joice. And Quatar Airways is offering good prices.

[Tobi]

Kuwait and I am in

[Vinnie]

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

nigb's site reports that this game has been moved to Rajamangala. Is this 100% confirmed?

[druryfire]

Thats right Vinnie, confirmed on the AFC website

[SriRachaShark]

Yep. Eight home grounds and counting : )

[SriRachaShark]

From todays Post

AFC quest
By: TOR CHITTINAND

Thai Premier League leaders Chonburi FC will take on PSMS Medan of Indonesia in the last 16 round of the AFC Cup today.The match takes place at Rajamangala National Stadium at 6.30pm. The winners go through to the quarter-finals.

Chonburi coach Kiatisak Senamuang said he had watched Medan on Youtube and found that they are a strong side with several Indonesia internationals and foreign players.

But the former Thailand striker said his men are good enough to get past the Indonesian side.

"If we can play to our standard, I am sure that we will win," Kiatisak said.

It will be Surat Sukha's last match for Chonburi before his move to Australia's Melbourne Victory.

Medan coach Rudy William said Chonburi are a good side with Cameroon's Kone Mohamed leading their attack.

Tickets are 100 and 200 baht and available at the stadium. The game will be televised live on True Sport 2.



I've been critical of this competition in the past - I thought the group stages were a real waste of time - but I can't wait for tonight : ) I'll give you all a wave.

Chonburi to win 3-2

[charade_2010]

Chonburi 4-0 PSMS Medan

BANGKOK – Thailand's Chonburi FC advanced to the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup after Mohamed Kone's hat-trick proved the foundation of a 4-0 victory over PSMS Medan at Rajamangala Stadium.

Chonburi took the lead in the 18th minute through Kone and the powerful striker notched his second in the 66th minute to effectively seal the win.

Midfielder Ekaphan Inthasen (pictured) added a third goal in the 85th minute before Kone completed his treble in the third minute of injury time in the last 16 encounter.

The Group G winners showed just why they are currently in top spot in the Thai Premier League, controlling the game through crisp passing and while also proving technically superior.

Medan set out their stall to play on the counter and Reswandi Sumaji was unlucky not to open the scoring after 13 minutes when his rising free-kick from 25 yards was tipped over by Chonburi goalkeeper Kosin Hathairattanakool.

Kone then broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when he blasted home from close range and the striker almost netted a second three minutes later but PSMS goalkeeper Markus Harison Rihihina did well to keep him at bay.

PSMS almost equalised in the 27th minute when forward Elie Aiboy burst through with just Kosin to beat but the Chonburi shotstopper pushed the close-range shot wide.

The Thai side again threatened after the break when Ekaphan powered into space but his ball across the face of the goal was cleared.

PSMS were awarded a free-kick just outside the box in the 53nd minute but Leonardo Martins Dinelli saw his drive blocked by Chonburi's defensive wall.

Pipob On-mo then spurned a great opportunity to double Chonburi's lead but headed wide with an open goal at his mercy before Kosin tipped PSMS captain Esteban Tejera’s powerful volley around the post in the 64th minute.

Two minutes later, Chonburi finally put some daylight between themselves and the Indonesians as Kone squirmed through the PSMS defence and coolly slotted home.

The third goal came five minutes from time as Ekaphan cut in from the left channel and found the back of the net and Kone notched his hat trick in the third minute of injury time when he rounded Markus and fired home.

The game was also the last in a Chonburi shirt for Surat Sukha, who is departing for Australian A-League side Melbourne Victory and the midfielder departed in the 89th minute to a rousing reception from the home crowd .

A match of Super Kone 
Farewell Surat Sukha . Wishing you success in A-League . Chohk dee 

[druryfire]

Hey, look at Charade's name, told you he was a moderator!!!

Now we can get him to answer our questions!

[Tobi]

Chonburi will play Binh Duong. Home Match on 15th September, away on 30th September.

[lokomotive]

If they move on, they might face Neftschi. Which would be the biggest hurdle so far for CFC I guess. But the match vs Binh Duong, should be very interesting. I expect both clubs to be on the same level.

[SriRachaShark]

If they move on, they might face Neftschi. Which would be the biggest hurdle so far for CFC I guess. But the match vs Binh Duong, should be very interesting. I expect both clubs to be on the same level.

I like your photo, Loko. The photographer is obviously a top professional ; )

[druryfire]

Out of all the teams you could have got, you got Binh Duong, rather disapointing to stay in the region. Bring on Neftchi, i'm sure they can be beaten at home, but away could be a toughy.

Lets hope CFC sure they are top dog in ASEAN region and destroy Binh Doung

[SriRachaShark]

I'm happy with the draw. It gives us a great chance of progressing to the semis. I'd rather have had the second leg at "home" but, you can't have everything.

[druryfire]

Looking at the draw, if Chonburi advance, they will move onto either Al Karama of Syria or Al Arabi of Kuwait.

Al Karama will be the ones to fear, having recently been in the Champions League final.

[leohoenig]

I think it is best not to look too far ahead. Surely Binh Duong, with their demolition of Kedah, following on their victory over PEA in group games, are a formidable opponent in themselves.

One game at a time, one game at a time...

Binh Duong also have the advantage, I assume of playing their home match in Binh Duong. When I went there (2007), there were about 8000 on a wet evening; the 18,000 listed as watching the game against Kedah must have been really crowded in, and given a really good atmosphere.

On the other hand, 6,000 at the Rajamangala will surely have been a quiet crowd

[charade_2010]

On the other hand, 6,000 at the Rajamangala will surely have been a quiet crowd

Yep , this is a reduced match of Thailand and Vietnam in clubs .

[druryfire]

KUALA LUMPUR: Teams competing in the AFC Cup 2009 knock-out stages have until August 31 to register their players.

AFC has sent letters to club teams from Hong Kong, Iraq, Kuwait, Syria, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam informing them of the deadline.

Should clubs fail to submit their registration lists by the deadline, AFC will assume they will be using the same players who were registered for the preliminary stages.

The first legs of the quarter-finals are scheduled for September 15. Uzbekistan’s Neftchi meet South China, of Hong Kong; Thai side Chonburi face Vietnamese rivals Becamex Binh Duong; Kuwait SC take on Iraqis Arbil; and Syrian outfit Al Karamah entertain Kuwait’s Al Arabi.

The second leg matches are on September 30.

[TPF]

SHARK ON THE HUNT FOR AFF PAYBACK

CHONBURI – Chonburi head coach Kiatisuk Senamuang has said Thailand’s defeat to Vietnam in the final of the 2008 AFF Suzuki Cup will serve as an additional motivating factor in their AFC Cup quarter-final clash with Binh Duong. The reigning Vietnamese champions and Chonburi were pitted against each other in an all-ASEAN clash during the last eight draw at AFC House on Monday and the Thai football legend admits that regional bragging rights are at stake alongside a place in the semi-finals.

“Both teams have many national team players that were in the AFF Suzuki Cup and we are looking forward to winning this match and proving that Thailand is still number one in ASEAN football,” Kiatisuk told www.the-afc.com.

“It’s not just about Thai football versus Vietnamese football it’s a battle for ASEAN prestige.”

The Thai’s were left heartbroken back in December last year when a stoppage-time goal from Le Cong Vinh gave Vietnam a 3-2 aggregate victory and their first regional title.

Six Chonburi players who featured in the 4-0 round of 16 win over PSMS Medan were also a part of the Thailand squad that missed out on a chance for the Kingdom’s fourth ASEAN title, including goalkeeper Kosin Hathairattanakool, recent Melbourne Victory signing Surat Sukha and his twin brother Suree.

So it’s not surprising that the Shark is out to devour Binh Duong and put Thai football back in the regional spotlight.

“Chonburi is now the only Thai club left in the continental competition and we will play for the nation’s fame, representing Thai football,” continued Kiatisuk.

“(Winning the AFC Cup) will bring us (Thai football fans) considerable happiness, especially Chonburi’s supporters around the country, while the success will also bring popularity to Thai football industry.”

But for Chonburi to claim Thailand’s first continental club silverware since the now defunct Thai Farmers Bank won the 1995 Asian Club Championship they must first overcome the 2008 Vietnamese champions in the AFC Cup quarters.

A feat that Kiatisuk knows will not be easy, particularly with Binh Duong having already shown their credentials by defeating Thailand Premier League champions Provincial Electricity Authority 3-1 in Bangkok during the group stage.

“The quarter-final is a tough job for Chonburi because Binh Duong is a high standard Vietnamese club filled with national team players as well as good foreign players and has an amazing fan base,” said Kiatisuk, who spent many successful years in Vietnam as player then coach of Hoang Anh Gia Lai where he won two V-League titles and two Vietnamese Super Cups.

Kiatisuk admitted he was “very surprised’ at the margin of PEA’s home defeat and also revealed that he has been in contact with the Thai champions as well as his friends in Vietnam in order to get as much information as possible as he begins to plot Binh Duong’s downfall in September’s quarter-finals.

The 35-year-old also said that his Chonburi squad is far from the finished article even though the Thailand Premier League leaders advanced to the last eight of the imperious fashion, scoring 21 times and conceding just four as the Shark won six out of their seven AFC Cup matches.

“There are still many holes will have to fill before we take to the quarter-final stage because our forwards are not at their best and there are too many mistakes from the defenders.

“At the moment we have signed Michael Byrne but I expect there will be two or three players that we will sign before the time comes.”

Link: http://www.the-afc.com/en/afc-cup-2009/24667-shark-on-the-hunt-for-aff-payback

[SriRachaShark]

I heard from a good source yesterday (don't you love that on messageboards) the name of one of the players we are hoping to sign. It's quite exciting if it's true.

As regards the fervent fans - it shouldn't really bother our players. I still can't understand why we can't play our home games at Srinthorn. With a little bit of work the ground would be fine. We would be able to accomodate 5,000 fans safely and create an equally fierce atmosphere. Trying to raise the roof at either of the national stadiums when there's only 5,000 in there is not so easy.

[TPF]

I heard from a good source yesterday (don't you love that on messageboards) the name of one of the players we are hoping to sign. It's quite exciting if it's true.

Is it a player already playing in the TPL, or someone from outside the league?

[SriRachaShark]

I heard from a good source yesterday (don't you love that on messageboards) the name of one of the players we are hoping to sign. It's quite exciting if it's true.

Is it a player already playing in the TPL, or someone from outside the league?

Outside. And, no, it's not John Terry ; )

[lokomotive]

I heard from a good source yesterday (don't you love that on messageboards) the name of one of the players we are hoping to sign. It's quite exciting if it's true.

Is it a player already playing in the TPL, or someone from outside the league?

Yeah, probably Ribery, as he telling the press every day that he wants to leave Munich. ;-)

Outside. And, no, it's not John Terry ; )

[TPF]

Outside. And, no, it's not John Terry ; )

I think I could take a guess or two! I'll keep my powder dry I think   

[druryfire]

The AFC have thrown the current competition into a bit of chaos after rushing thr Round of 16 through to quickly.

After this round was played, the AFC decided to hold a Disciplinary hearing for the Group Stages.

Some teams were fined for various things such as non-player press conferences, incorrect match cards etc.

But one thing they have rather screwed up is, awarding four games as 3-0 victories for games that  Al Majd played in.

Al Majd broke the rules by playing a non-registered player in four games. There results were awarded to the opposing team in 4 games. Al Majd qualified for Round of 16 by winning the group.

If the Round of 16 was played later than a week after the Group Stages, then Al Majd would have been kicked out (or not qualified) and Al Muharraq of Bahrain, the title holders would have qualified and met Neftchi.

Now, Al Muharraq will appeal, if succesful, they will play Neftchi, when? well, when there back in full swing again come September.

Will anything come of it? Well, if they stick to there awarded match results then they would have made it - so now AFC find themselves in a pickle.

What you guys think to this?

[SriRachaShark]

It's ironic that, at a time when they are trying to make the competition more "professional", they make a *rude word*-up like this.

It's all very well insisting the clubs, and local FAs, get their houses in order but the AFC should make sure that they are doing things properly themselves first.

Vinnie did raise the question of why the quarter finals should be played a month apart. I guess that there was a valid reason but surely something like this could have been avoided if all the fixtures had been scheduled for the same time.

I'm not really a fan of the AFC Cup (in its current format) so, hopefully, this incident will make the organisers re-think. Maybe a straight knockout? The group phase really was a waste of time. And relax the stadium requirements slightly - Chonburi could easily stage our home games at Srinthorn.

I wonder what the outcome will be?

[druryfire]

With regards to the ground issue. AFC rules state that each team designates a ground to play on and cannot move unless unforeseen things happen, such as the recent ground move of Chonburi.


Apparently its upto each club to state where they play, but it wouldn't surprise me if FAT made the decision.

There are many more unsuitable grounds being played on in other nations, so why not play at 'home'?

Not sure why so much interference is done, surely its better to play in a tight compact stadium with 5-6000 shouting rather than a huge 60,000 seater bowl filled with dis-intersted Army personnel and his dog.

[lokomotive]

Maybe a straight knockout? The group phase really was a waste of time.

Isn't that same in European comeptitons?

[SriRachaShark]

Yes, Loko. But we all know the reason for it. Don't we ; )

DF, if it's true that it was Chonburi's idea to play our "home" games in BKK then we have made a big mistake. It will be interesting to see what kind of crowd we get for the QF first leg.

[druryfire]

More on stadium movements, this time Arbil of Iraq wanting to move country:

KUALA LUMPUR: AFC has turned down Iraqi club Arbil’s request to play their AFC Cup quarter-final second leg match against Kuwait Sports Club of Kuwait at the Amman International Stadium.

In a letter sent to the Iraqi Football Association and Arbil, AFC said the request had been declined to maintain the ‘integrity’ of the competition.

Arbil played their group stage matches in the AFC Cup at two different stadiums in Jordan.

The Iraqi side played their first match at the King Abdullah Stadium in Amman before moving the rest of their fixtures, after permission from AFC, to the Prince Mohamed Stadium in Zarqa’a.

The tournament rules state that a club has to play all its home matches in the competition at one and the same stadium unless forced to do otherwise due to circumstances beyond their control.

The letter further pointed out that AFC had approved the first change (from King Abdullah Stadium to the Prince Mohamed Stadium) after ‘considering the difficult situation surrounding the club’.

The match will now take place as scheduled at the Prince Mohamed Stadium in Zarq’a on September 30 at 1700 hours (local time).

[druryfire]

I remember that i previously stated that clubs couldn't move stadium half way through the tournament unless they had a reason.

Well, i checked the AFC manual (yes, sad i know) and it was in there. So, going through the rules, it would appear you have to be next to a major airport. Seem's that why Chonburi have to play in BKK.

But one thing that strikes me, the opposing team has to make the trip anyway, but they must be laughing when they get off the plane and are actually closer to the ground than the home side!!

Anyways, it would appear that Iraqi outfit Arbil are allowed to play on home soil now, so then rule on moving obviously doesn't apply to them, as i'm pretty sure there previous nominated ground would be suitable for 15th September (no rock concert or Taksin Red Shirt protest)

[lokomotive]

What kind of fcuk ing rule is that? If so, in most of the cases, you have to scrap all clubs in Asia which are not near to an airport. Sorry to say, but that is not professional AFC, and has nothing to do with football. But maybe it is because the officials of the AFC got bored in small cities, where is no nightlife.

[bon-nirnam]

I think they are afraid of having to ride a bus from the hotel to the river shore then taking a two hours boat ride up stream before being drop off for 1 and a half hour elephants ride into the valley where the stadium is situated on a swamp. The only way to get to the stadium is by kayaking.
 
Seriously, since the madate numbers of qualified stadium still 2-3, it is opvious that AFC looking at participating clubs as representatives of Association not its own, at least not now.

[Vinnie]

Well, i checked the AFC manual (yes, sad i know) and it was in there. So, going through the rules, it would appear you have to be next to a major airport. Seem's that why Chonburi have to play in BKK.

But one thing that strikes me, the opposing team has to make the trip anyway, but they must be laughing when they get off the plane and are actually closer to the ground than the home side!!

There goes one of my dreams - that one day I'll see AFC Cup or Champions League matches in Korat. What does the rule actually say? That matches have to be played in a city which has an international airport?

[Nigb]

From memory it states that the stadium used must be within 60km from an international airport, which I think means that Chonburi could have their matches in Chonburi. Korat has no international airport?

[Vinnie]

It has one that was used for domestic flights but it doesn't even handle those anymore. It's only used for business, private and freight flights now. I can understand the ruling to an extent. There are some very big countries in Asia and a team could find themselves having to play in the middle of nowhere with no international airport for hundreds if not thousands of miles. But the AFC should make the judgement on a case by case basis. Suvarnabhumi to Korat is 2.5 - 3hrs by coach. Not much of a hardship considering the away side would arrive the day before the match. The SEA Games was staged here without using the airport. That's thousands of athletes, officials, media and spectators that made it here and yet the AFC's guidelines judge it unsuitable to host a football match.
That said, I think I'm getting a bit ahead of myself here; we're still in Divison 2 after all! 

[druryfire]

Well, i checked the AFC manual (yes, sad i know) and it was in there. So, going through the rules, it would appear you have to be next to a major airport. Seem's that why Chonburi have to play in BKK.

But one thing that strikes me, the opposing team has to make the trip anyway, but they must be laughing when they get off the plane and are actually closer to the ground than the home side!!

There goes one of my dreams - that one day I'll see AFC Cup or Champions League matches in Korat. What does the rule actually say? That matches have to be played in a city which has an international airport?

I'll have to check the manual, but it says something like one ghours drive from an International airport. Not just any old airport.

Makes a mockery when international friendlies sanctioend by the AFC can be played anywhere, such as Phuket, but club tournaments can't be played in your own back yard

[SriRachaShark]

Couldn't the planes carrying the teams just fly over the stadiums and all the players parachute down on to the pitch before kick off? This would be great pre match entertainment

[jakartacasual]

during the aff cup last year in indonesia one game was played in soreang which is about a 4 hour drive from jakarta on a good day. the teams stayed overnoght in bandung. the other stadium considered was palembang on a different island

a few years back persik kediri had to play their acl games in solo, about a 5 hour drive from their city, cos it was the nearest stadium that suited afc guidleines

other factors are alos at play including hotel accomodation, media facilities, lights etc

just wait for persipura in next season acl. its about 7 hours from jakarta! and pray god persiwa never get through... no roads in or out, persipura is a 90 minute flight!

or pssb. about a seven hour drive from the nearest airport!

[SriRachaShark]

Chonburi v Binh Duong match preview can be read here :

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/chonburifc/club_news.pl?id=227860

[charade_2010]

First-leg key for Kiatisuk

BANGKOK – Chonburi coach Kiatisuk Senamuang stressed the importance of the need for a first-leg victory when they take on Binh Duong in the AFC Cup quarter-finals at the Rajamangala Stadium.

After following up their impressive exploits in winning Group G, Chonburi eased past Indonesia’s PSMS Medan in the round of 16. They have, though, lost Thailand defender Surat Sukha to Australia’s Melbourne Victory since the 4-0 win over PSMS.


However Kiatisuk (pictured) underlined how crucial it will be for Chonburi to carry an advantage into the return leg in Vietnam in just over two weeks time.

"We need to win," said the former Thai international, who has considerable experience of Vietnamese football having spent four seasons in the V-League as player then coach of two-time champions Hoang Anh Gia Lai.

"We know when we play our first match, if we cannot succeed, the second game won't be easy for us. Vietnamese teams play very well at home, so we must concentrate and get the win first.”

Captain Pipob On-Mo echoed Kiatisuk’s comments, adding: “We will try 100% to win.”

Binh Duong became the first side from Vietnam to reach the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup following an 8-2 rout of Kedah in the last 16.

Huyhn Kesley Alves scored four times as the Group H winners easily disposed of the Malaysians and although coach Mai Duc Chung is well aware the Thais will be a totally different prospect, he is still targeting a victory to take back to Binh Duong Stadium in two weeks time.

"We will try our best, we will try to win," he said. "We know Chonburi are very strong, but we're happy to be playing them in Thailand in the first game.

"We've seen Chonburi play before, and they are very technical. They have good tactics. But we just finished playing in the Vietnamese league, and we have had good preparation for the game. We know it will be very hard in Thailand, in front of the Thai supporters, but we have to try."

Binh Duong recently lost their two-year grip on the V-League title as Da Nang topped the table and after also losing in the semi-finals of the National Cup, captain Huynh Quang Thanh now has only AFC Cup silverware in his sights.

"We promise to do our best and try to win," said the defender.

Binh Duong are set to be without midfielder Nguyen Duc Thien for both legs of the quarter-final after the 21-year-old, who scored three times in the group stages, has suffered a shoulder injury, while the 2008 Vietnamese double-winners have allowed Vietnam defender Vu Nhu Thanh to move to newly promoted Ninh Binh.

[lokomotive]

Chonburi only draw 2:2. Coming from behind two times. Goals for CFC Kone and Arthit. At least they could manage a draw which leaves the door open, with a win in Vietnam to move on.

[charade_2010]

Chonburi 2-2 Binh Duong: Chonburi battle back

BANGKOK - Chonburi twice battled back from a goal down to salvage a 2-2 draw with Binh Duong in the first-leg of their AFC Cup quarter-final at Rajamangala Stadium.

Huynh Quang Thanh gave the visitors the lead after 13 minutes following an error from Chonburi keeper Kosin Hathairattanakool but Pipob On-Mo levelled for Chonburi six minutes later.

Nguyen Vu Phong gave Binh Duong the lead for a second time in the 23rd minute and it needed Arthit Sunthornphit's 69th minute strike to ensure Chonburi head to Vietnam for the return leg on level terms.

Binh Duong were the first to threaten with midfielder Tran Truong Giang shooting from close range but his effort was saved by Kosin.

But the Thai stopper was at fault for Binh Duong's first goal when he allowed Binh Duong captain Quang's shot squirm through his fingertips and over the line. Kosin clawed the ball back into play but the assistant referee signalled a goal.

The home side equalised in the 19th minute when diminutive captain Pipob latched onto a long through ball, outpaced Binh Duong's imposing Nigerian centre-back Osita Egbo and smashed a right-footed shot past goalkeeper Nguyen The Anh and into the corner.

Parity was short-lived however, as Binh Duong regained the lead four minutes later when South African striker Philani lost his marker down the right and delivered a perfect ball to midfielder Phong, who calmly slotted a low finish into the left corner.

Chonburi's Michael Byrne missed an excellent chance to draw the home side level in the 35th minute, his shot from close range deflected away by the Binh Duong defence.

The home side attacked with renewed vigour after the break and Pipob's flick played in Mohamed Kone but the striker fired across the face of the goal.

Binh Duong were content to slow the game down as the second-half wore on, much to the annoyance of the home crowd who showed their displeasure to the Vietnamese.

Chonburi did finally manage to fashion an equaliser in the 69th minute when Arthit beat Anh with a low strike from the left of the box across the keeper, who seemed to be partially unsighted by players in front of him.

Binh Duong almost re-established their advantage immediately after the kick-off when Phong saw a fierce strike tipped onto the angle of post and bar by Kosin.

Chonburi came close to a third of their own in the 77th minute when Arthit's deep free-kick from the left was headed back across goal but Kone saw his final touch deflected wide by Giang as the game ended honours even and left the tie delicately poised for the second-leg in Vietnam on September 30.

Match summary is here :
http://www.the-afc.com/en/component/joomleague/?view=report&compID=368&matchId=2498

[SriRachaShark]

"The opening goal was a personal catastrophe for Sinthaveechai. A seemingly routine save was fumbled and the ball found its way over the line. Can we expect another name change for Thailand's number one after this? David James or David Seaman perhaps?"

Read the rest here :

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/chonburifc/match_report.pl?action=report&id=1554434

[druryfire]

Ok, slow day at work, managed to locate the stadia issue in the AFC Manual: Here's a bit


1. Certification

   The Stadia must be certified according to national/local law and must include provisions related to safety and an evacuation plan.

   The certificate must be issued by the appropriate body and must not be older than two years from the first Match day of the Competition.


2. Use of Stadia

   The Stadia must not be used for any other matches and/or activities and a Clean Stadia must be made available to AFC from two days prior to the Match day until one (1) day after the Match.

   The Stadia nominated must meet all criteria stipulated in these Requirements and the field of play, accessories, equipment and facilities shall be in optimum condition and comply with the Laws of Game published by FIFA.


3. Location

   The Stadia must be located in a city which has an international airport within a radius of two hundreds (200) kilometers and a journey time of no more than two hours and thirty (150) minutes between the Venue of the Match and the international airport.

   Otherwise, the Stadia must be located in a city which has at least four (4) connecting flights daily


The article does go on a bit, other thigns included are having a maximum subs bench for 20 people and 3 TV rooms etc which are probably asking a bit much.

[SriRachaShark]

Chonburi (SriRacha) has two international airports within a 70 or 80 km radius.

What do you think that the AFC get up to for three days in an empty stadium?!

[druryfire]

Maybe they fail on another aspect such as using a chalk board and not electronic or only have 1 toilet instead of 2.

Reading though the manual, i really don't believe any nation accept Japan would fullfil the criteria.

Maybe it's just easier for Thai clubs to use someone else's stadium so then then dont get blame

[Vinnie]

So it's true! Korat wouldn't be able to use the best, most modern stadium in the country to play AFC Cup matches but instead would have to travel to Bangkok to play in a sixty year old stadium! To be honest, the regulations are a bit touch and go as far as we're concerned - we're not within 200km of an international airport but you could easily do the journey in two and a half hours. This isn't pie in the sky- we're only three wins away from qualifying for the AFC Cup!