Sabah FC’s hopes of pulling off a major upset in the 2025 ASEAN Charity Shield were brutally dashed as they suffered a heavy 8-2 defeat at the hands of Buriram United in a one-sided clash.
The Thai powerhouse, who previously lifted the title in 2023, reaffirmed their regional dominance with a commanding display, while Sabah FC used the match as preparation for the upcoming Malaysian Super League season in August. Unfortunately for the Borneo-based side, it turned into a harsh lesson against one of Southeast Asia’s top clubs.
Buriram wasted no time asserting their superiority, with Supachai Chaided opening the scoring in the 3rd minute with a thunderous strike past Sabah goalkeeper Damien Lim. Despite efforts from Sabah forwards Ajdin Musagic, Darren Lok, and Miguel Cifuentes, the Thai champions’ backline, marshaled by Australian defender Curtis Good, stood firm.
Supachai struck again in the 26th minute, doubling Buriram’s lead and exposing Sabah’s fragile defense. Serbian striker Fejsal Mulic added a third in the 39th minute, giving Buriram a comfortable 3-0 lead at the break.
After the interval, Buriram continued their onslaught, bringing on reinforcements including Nemanja Nikolic and Indonesian defender Shayne Pattynama. Just three minutes into the second half, Guilherme Bissoli made it 4-0, seemingly sealing the outcome early.
Sabah briefly found hope when Stuart Wilkin fired in a brilliant goal in the 64th minute to reduce the deficit. However, Nikolic quickly restored the four-goal cushion in the 68th minute, before Azhad Harraz Arman netted Sabah’s second in the 73rd.
But the floodgates remained open.
Nikolic punished a disorganized Sabah backline in the 75th minute to score his second, and the former Partizan Belgrade striker completed his hat-trick in the 88th minute with a simple finish.
Australian midfielder Kenneth Dougall capped off a night to remember for Buriram with a stunning long-range effort in stoppage time to make it 8-2.
With this emphatic result, Buriram United successfully defend their ASEAN Charity Shield title, further cementing their status as a regional football giant. For Sabah FC, the defeat serves as a brutal reality check — but also a valuable lesson as they prepare for domestic challenges ahead.
While the scoreline will sting, Sabah can take some positives from the performances of players like Wilkin and Azhad, as well as lessons on resilience and top-tier opposition that will serve them in the Liga Super season.
Credit Photo : BRUTD
