Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Chonburi: Thailand’s Chonburi set-up a showdown with Beijing Guoan next weekend for a place in the group stage of the AFC Champions League after Brazilian striker Thiago Cunha scored twice in Sunday’s impressive 3-0 win over Hong Kong champions South China at Chonburi Stadium.
A header from captain Pipob On-mo (pictured left) set Chonburi on their way after 19 minutes of the second round play-off tie before Thiago Cunha (Thiago dos Santos Cunha) scored either side of the interval, doubling the Sharks’ lead 17 minutes later and then sealing the win 10 minutes into the second half.
Chonburi will now travel to Beijing’s Workers' Stadium on Saturday with a place in Group F of the AFC Champions League alongside J.League champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima, A-League Grand Final winners Central Coast Mariners and 2013 finalists FC Seoul from Korea Republic at stake.
“South China played well and made things difficult for us, but we did better and collected the ball, especially in the second half, so we could make this game ours,” said Chonburi coach Masahiro Wada.
“We now have to do a lot of homework to prepare the team before we fly to China, but whatever happens over there, we will do our best.”
South China showed plenty of attacking intent from the first whistle as Bosnian striker Sasa Kajkut drew an unconvincing save from Chonburi goalkeeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool after seven minutes.
But with their first real attacking opportunity, Chonburi took the lead after 19 minutes as diminutive veteran midfielder Pipob attacked a near post cross from Natthaphong Samama and gave South China goalkeeper Yapp Hung Fai little chance with an unstoppable header high into the net.
Chonburi almost doubled their lead 10 minutes later as only a superb one-handed diving save from Yapp turned Kazuto Kushida’s shot around the post.
Yapp was beaten 13 minutes before half-time, but fortunately for the visitors, Kwok Kin Pong was on hand to clear Nurul Sriyankem’s shot off the line.
But four minutes later, Chonburi did double their lead despite the best efforts of Yapp as the South China goalkeeper did well to block a close range flicked header from Brazilian defender Anderson only for Cunha to follow up and head home from virtually under the crossbar.
And 10 minutes into the second half Cunha raced clear of the South China defence, and after coolly rounding the advancing Yapp, the Brazilian calmly lifted the ball over defender Chan Wai Ho.
Chonburi remained in control for the remainder of the contest, and despite being unable to add to their advantage, South China rarely threatened to trouble the home side.
South China will now take their place in Group G of the AFC Cup alongside Myanmar’s Yangon United, Vietnam’s XM Vissai Ninh Binh and Malaysia’s Kelantan.
“Congratulations to Chonburi FC, as you could see, the better team was the winner. But I would like to thank all of my players because they worked very hard,” said South China coach Cheung Po Chun, who had seen his side beat Singapore champions Tampines Rovers in the first round last weekend.
“We did our best, but Chonburi have a great defence and deserved to win.”
Photo: WSG