Bangkok United earned a crucial 1-0 victory over Singapore’s Lion City Sailors in their AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 Group Stage, Group G encounter at the Pathum Thani Stadium, Pathum Thani.
Head coach Totchtawan Sripan made several changes to his starting lineup, bringing in Suphan Thongsong to replace the injured Philip Maia, while Wanchai Jarunongkran and Ilias Alhafith both returned from injury.
The home side looked lively from the start. In just the 2nd minute, Ilias Alhaft swung in a dangerous cross that was gathered by Sailors goalkeeper Ivan Suzac. Moments later, Weerathep Pomphan’s delivery found Al Ghasani, whose header narrowly missed the near post.
Bangkok United were handed a golden opportunity in the 10th minute when the referee awarded a penalty for a handball inside the area. However, Richairo Zivkovic saw his delicate chip strike the post and go over the bar, keeping the score level.
The visitors began to find their rhythm midway through the first half. Song Ui-Young combined smartly with Lennart Thy, who broke through on goal but dragged his shot wide in the 25th minute. Diogo Costa later tested Bangkok’s defense with a header that missed the target, while Tsiy Ndengke struck the post from a free kick in the 42nd minute.
The best chance for Lion City came just before halftime when goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai misjudged a cross, forcing Thitipan Puangchan into a desperate header that nearly resulted in an own goal. But the hosts survived, and the first half ended 0-0.
After the break, Bart Ramselaar tried his luck from range, but his shot sailed wide. The tempo remained tight until the 62nd minute, when Hariss Harun brought down Ilias Alhaft inside the box. The Singaporean midfielder was shown a red card for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO), leaving Lion City with 10 men.
Two minutes later, Muhsen Al Ghasani made no mistake from the spot, confidently slotting home to give Bangkok United a 1-0 lead in the 64th minute.
The hosts continued to press. Teerasil Dangda forced a save with a curling strike in the 75th minute, before combining again with Muhsen, whose effort hit the post in the 79th minute.
Despite late pressure from the visitors, Bangkok United held firm to secure all three points with a 1-0 victory — a result that breathes new life into their campaign at the halfway mark of Group G.
Credit Photo : AFC
