AFC Cup Chonburi 3-1 Kedah - Match Report: 2009

AFC Cup

Group G

Chonburi 3-1 Kedah

Supachalasai Stadium

Tuesday 19th May, 2009

 

Pipob Stars 

by the-afc.com 

Skipper Pipob On-mo scored twice as Chonburi completed their AFC Cup Group G campaign with a 3-1 victory over Kedah at Supachalasai Stadium on Tuesday. Pipob opened the scoring in the 14th minute before Mohd Khyril Muhymeen equalised for Kedah in the 35th minute. Pipob added a second for his side in the 40th minute to ensure Chonburi held a slender advantage at the break before substitute Douglas completed the scoring five minutes before full time. 

The result means Chonburi finish top of the group with 15 points while Kedah also go through to the last 16 due to Eastern Athletic losing 3-0 at Hanoi ACB. The Thais had the bulk of the possession early on, passing crisply and controlling the tempo while an enthusiastic crowd adorned in the side's blue shirts beat drums and blew horns. Chonburi star Surat Sukha was not named in the side ahead of his move to Australian A-league double winners Melbourne Victory. 

Kedah was first to threaten when Mohd Farizal latched on to a through ball down the right channel but could only manage to put his shot against the foot of the near post. Then Pipob cut in from the right side on 14 minutes and saw his initial effort blocked by a defender but he blasted the rebound into the roof of the net to put Chonburi ahead. Kedah equalised after 35 minutes when Muhymeen raced onto a through ball and chipped over the advancing Kosin Hathairattanakool. 

Pipob doubled his tally after 40 minutes with a neat volley when a long ball was touched on from the far post and the forward making no mistake. Chonburi again controlled possession in the second half, coming close with several efforts. But Kedah goalkeeper Helmi Eliza Elias did well to keep the opposing side at bay. Substitute Douglas completed the Chonburi victory with five minutes remaining when Arthit Sunthornpit sent in a curling free kick from the left. Helmi came out to claim it but missed and Douglas headed home. 

Chonburi will face PSMS Medan in Bangkok in the last 16 while Kedah travel to Vietnam to face Binh Duong.