Defending champions Buriram United successfully retained the 2025/26 Shopee Cup title after producing a clinical second-half comeback to defeat Selangor FC 2-1 in the second leg final at Buriram Stadium, Buriram.
Selangor entered the match determined to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit and nearly stunned the home side early on through captain Faisal Halim, whose aggressive attacking runs immediately tested Buriram’s defence.
The Malaysian side’s positive approach paid off in the 18th minute when Syahir Bashah struck from long range. A speculative effort slipped underneath goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and crossed the line, silencing the home crowd while levelling the aggregate score.
For a brief moment, Selangor believed a famous comeback was possible.
However, Buriram United gradually rediscovered their rhythm and quality. The breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute through Thailand international Suphanat Mueanta, who produced a composed finish after combining brilliantly with veteran playmaker Theerathon Bunmathan.
The equaliser shifted the momentum firmly in Buriram’s favour as the hosts began dominating possession and creating chances before halftime.
Selangor continued fighting bravely after the restart, with Brazilian forward Chrigor Moraes and Vitor Pernambuco forcing Etheridge into several crucial saves.
But the decisive moment arrived in the 55th minute when Theerathon produced a moment of pure class.
After a partially cleared corner fell kindly outside the box, the experienced Thai defender unleashed a magnificent first-time looping volley with his left foot that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar beyond the helpless Sikh Izhan.
The spectacular strike effectively ended Selangor’s hopes and sent the Buriram faithful into celebration mode.
Buriram nearly added a third goal late in the match, with Kingsley Schindler striking the post, while Etheridge redeemed his earlier mistake with a sensational flying save to deny Chrigor’s powerful header in the closing stages.
Under head coach Mark Jackson, Buriram United once again demonstrated their continental pedigree, resilience and experience on the regional stage.
For Selangor and head coach Kim Pan-gon, the defeat marked a heartbreaking end to an impressive Shopee Cup campaign, though the Red Giants earned widespread praise for pushing the defending champions throughout both legs.
Thai giants completed a 3-1 aggregate victory to secure consecutive regional crowns, adding another major trophy to their growing dominance after already retaining the Thai League 1 title earlier this season.
Buriram United’s triumph further cements the club’s status as Southeast Asia’s current football powerhouse, with the Thunder Castle continuing to dominate both domestically and regionally.
Credit Photo : SFC
