Buriram and Chiang Rai set lofty goals in FA Cup
Thai League 1 sides Buriram United and Chiang Rai United have the same goal when they play in the FA Cup semi-finals tonight — win two trophies this season.
Buriram will face Thai League 2 team Si Sa Ket at Bangkok’s Boonyajinda Stadium while defending champions Chiang Rai will meet fellow T1 club Ratchaburi at Supachalasai Stadium, also in the capital. Both games kick off at 7pm. Buriram were crowned T1 champions with three games to spare after beating Police Tero 2-0 on Saturday.
However, their hopes of sweeping three domestic titles were dashed last week when they were stunned by Bangkok Glass in the League Cup semi-finals.
Buriram coach Bozidar Bandovic said yesterday: “We want to win the FA Cup after winning the Thai League 1 title. We have not won the FA Cup since 2015 and we are looking forward to the final.”
The Thunder Castle’s strikeforce will be led by Diogo Luis Santo, who scored a goal against Police Tero, and his Brazilian compatriot Osvaldo Filho.
However, they will be without midfielder Supachok Sarachart, who is out injured.
Si Sa Ket assistant manager Chaitat Silaso said his team will aim for a giantkilling act tonight.
“We are looking forward to our first ever cup final,” he said.
Chiang Rai director Chintawan Chinanuwat said: “It is another important match for our team. We want to reach the final and win the title.”
The Beetles rested several players for their league match at the weekend and Chintawan said they would return to the squad for today’s match.
Chiang Rai have also reached the League Cup final.
Ratchaburi vice president Tanawat Nitikanchana said: “Before this season began, we said that we wanted to win a cup. Now we are in the semi-finals and close to winning the FA Cup. We hope it will be third time lucky after we lost in the final of the League Cup in 2012 and 2013.”