Late blow frustrates Buriram
What would have been a fantastic comeback ended in a 4-3 loss as hosts Buriram United showed signs of frustration-induced anger and conceded a last-gasp winner against Ratchaburi in the Thai League 1 on Sunday night.
Ratchaburi coach Pacheta summed it up well, saying: “The match had three parts: we dominated the first 20 minutes; Buriram then wrested control; and finally we fought back to claim the winning goal.”
Buriram coach Ranko Popovic, however, saw the last few minutes of the entertaining match differently.
“We did well to come back from 3-0 down and tie the score, but then the players lost their cool because of their inability to score the winner,” said Popovic.
Buriram went through a torrid 20-minute spell during which Sompong Soleb, Takafumi Akahoshi and Marcel Essombe hit the mark, giving Ratchaburi a 3-0 lead.
A minute before the break, Jakson Coelho struck to give Thunder Castle some hope. The hosts hit back in the second half and levelled the score through Coelho and Diogo Luis Santo’s efforts before Essombe’s second goal in final moments stole the match away from them.
Popovic added: “We were great in the second half and attacked well, but I had to calm the players down towards the end of the game. After this, we would have to forget everything and focus on the next match. We must win it and bounce back.”
Buriram now trail leaders SCG Muang Thong United by seven points and are tied with Chiang Rai United, who were held to 1-1 draw at home by Police Tero, for second place with 27 points each. Also on Sunday night, it’s Bangkok Glass 2 Sukhothai 2, and Si Sa Ket 2 Suphanburi 2.