Buriram United, a club from Thailand clinched first 3 points after beating Central Coast Mariners, a club from Australia scoring 2-1 in the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 League Stage(East Zone) at Central Coast Stadium, Gosford.
Despite a bright start from the home side, it was Buriram United who came out on top. Alou Kuol of Central Coast curled an early shot wide of Neil Etheridge’s goal, with the Mariners dominating possession in the opening minutes. Buriram, however, held firm and gradually worked their way into the game, registering their first shot midway through the half.
That effort came when Lucas Crispim flicked a deft header to Bissoli, whose strike from the edge of the penalty box was comfortably saved by Mariners’ keeper Pavlesic. Just minutes later, Dion Cools sent a volley over the bar as Buriram began to increase the pressure. Their persistence paid off around the 30th minute when a quickly taken free kick found Cools, who sent a low cross to Bissoli, allowing the Brazilian to direct a precise left-footed shot past Pavlesic, putting Buriram in the lead.
In the second half, Buriram continued to control the tempo. Pavlesic denied Bissoli again, pushing his shot away for a corner, but the Mariners’ defense could not hold out for long. In the 51st minute, Goran Causic sent in a curling cross that was met by Good, who headed home unopposed from eight yards to give Buriram a two-goal advantage.
The Mariners’ troubles deepened in the 57th minute when Pavlesic was sent off for bringing down Bissoli, who had broken through the Central Coast defense. Referee Muhammad Nazmi Nasaruddin showed no hesitation in issuing the red card. Backup keeper Jack Warshawsky stepped in and managed to keep Buriram from extending their lead further, despite relentless pressure.
Central Coast Mariners did manage to pull one back in the dying moments of the match, as Mauragis thumped a powerful shot into the top corner five minutes into stoppage time, but it was too little too late.
The victory moves Buriram United to four points from their opening two matches, following a goalless draw with Vissel Kobe in their first fixture. Meanwhile, Central Coast Mariners remain at the bottom of the group, yet to secure a point in the league phase.
Credit Photo : AFC
