Buriram United etched their name into Southeast Asian football history after edging Công An Hà Nội FC 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout to win the inaugural ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™, following a pulsating 3-3 draw in the second leg at Buriram Stadium on Wednesday night.
Thai international goalkeeper Chatchai Bootprom emerged the hero, saving three penalties in a nerve-shredding shootout after 120 minutes of relentless drama failed to separate the two sides across both legs, which ended 5-5 on aggregate.
The Thai League champions had trailed 0-2 on the night following goals from Jason Pendant and Leo Artur, but staged a sensational comeback through Peter Zulj, Lucas Crispim, and Guilherme Bissoli, only for Công An to force penalties with a late equaliser by Alan Grafite.
Công An Hà Nội, managed by former Thailand head coach Mano Polking, stunned the Buriram faithful with a fast and fluid attacking display. Pendant opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a stunning team goal, combining beautifully with Artur and Nguyen Quang Hai before slotting past Chatchai with composure.
Their lead was doubled in the 39th minute after a VAR review penalised Zulj for a foul on Hugo Gomes inside the box. Artur coolly converted, leaving the home side shell-shocked.
Despite the deficit, Osmar Loss’ men showed the heart of champions. Buriram carved out numerous chances, with Filip Nguyen, Công An’s goalkeeper, pulling off a series of fine saves before Zulj finally gave the hosts a lifeline in the 83rd minute, sweeping in a loose ball from close range after good work by Supachai Chaided and Crispim.
With just seconds left in stoppage time, Crispim brought the stadium to its feet with an explosive 30-yard free-kick that crashed in off the crossbar to force extra time in breathtaking fashion.
Buriram grabbed the lead for the first time in the 104th minute, with Bissoli converting from the spot after Giap Tuan Duong handled a cross from Crispim. But just as victory seemed certain, Công An struck back once again—Grafite rising highest to nod home a corner in the 118th minute and send the final to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Chatchai stole the spotlight, denying Pendant, Gomes, and finally Bui Hoang Viet Anh. Despite a miss from Pansa Hemviboon, Buriram converted through Zulj, Crispim, and Phitiwat Sukjitthammakul, sealing a historic 3-2 win.
Credit Photo : BRUTD
