Bangkok United made club history after advancing to the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 for the first time, after securing a 2–2 away draw against Tampines Rovers FC in the Round of 16 Second Leg at Jalan Besar Stadium, Kallang.
Bangkok United arrived in Singapore carrying a narrow lead 2-1 from the first leg at Pathum Thani Stadium, where goals from Nebojša Kosović and Picha Autra secured the win.
However, head coach Totchtawan Sripan had to reshuffle his squad for the decisive match. Brazilian defender Philippe Maia was suspended following a red card in the first leg, while Picha Autra missed out due to a Grade 2 MCL knee injury.
The coach handed starting roles to Manuel Tom Bierh and Weerathep Pomphan as replacements.
Bangkok United began confidently and eventually broke the deadlock in the 15th minute.
A quick passing move involving Weerathep Pomphan and Muhsen Al-Ghassani set up veteran striker Teerasil Dangda, who finished clinically with a left-footed strike to put the visitors ahead 1–0.
The hosts pushed forward and found their equaliser in the 39th minute. Midfielder Shah Shahiran delivered a clever lofted pass that released Trent Buhagiar into the box, with the forward calmly slotting the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai.
However, Bangkok United responded almost immediately. Just three minutes later, Kosović threaded a pass into the area for Ilias Alhaft, who skilfully evaded two defenders before firing home to restore the Thai side’s lead at 2–1.
The second half saw Tampines Rovers increase the tempo as they searched for goals to overturn the aggregate deficit.
Their efforts paid off in the 71st minute, when Seiga Sumi broke into the penalty area and delivered a cutback pass for Koya Kazama, who finished from close range to make it 2–2.
Despite late pressure from the Singaporean side, Bangkok United’s defence held firm to preserve the aggregate advantage.
When the final whistle sounded, the 2–2 draw was enough to send Bangkok United into the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26, marking a historic milestone for the club.
Meanwhile, the Thai side will face a major continental test in the semi-finals, where they are set to meet Japanese giants Gamba Osaka.
The first leg will take place at the Suita City Football Stadium in Japan on April 8, before the decisive second leg in Thailand on April 15.
Credit Photo : AFC
