By Pearse McLaughlin
Bangkok United FC grab a dramatic late equalizer in the second minute of stoppage time as they draw 2-2 with Yokohama F. Marinos in the first leg of the last I6 tie in the AFC Asian Champions League. This was billed as Harry Kewell’s first competitive match in charge and was going swimmingly as they had a two goal lead through Elber and Kota Watanabe but a goal in each half from Nitipong Selanon and super sub Mahmoud Eid make ensure the match ends all square heading into the second leg next week.
Totchtawan Sripan has stuck with his tried and trusted 4-2-3-1 formation that saw his Bangkok United FC side triumph over Muan Thong United 2-1 in the Thai League. In terms of personnel changes there have been two as in comes Rungrath Poomchantuek and Chayawat Srinawong to replace Vander and Mahmoud Eid.
Harry Kewell has gone with the 4-3-3 formation in his first competitive fixture with his new side and a formation Yokohama F. Marinos is used to seeing as Kevin Muscat’s last game in charge over Shandong Taishan back on the 13th December saw him also use the 4-3-3 formation.
Breakthrough for Yokohama F. Marinos on the 18th minute through Elber’s effort from close range. Nam Tae-Hee’s delivery from the corner caused mayhem as it was whipped in with pace from the left hand side which Takumi Kamajima flicked on at the near post and Elber volleyed the ball in from inside the six-yard-box. It was a scrappy goal to say the least as the ball trickled its way into the bottom left hand corner but it’s the first under new boss Harry Kewell. Yokohama F. Marinos lead 1-0.
Kota Watanabe doubles Yokohama F. Marinos’ lead shortly after on the 25th minute finishing off a sweeping move from the J-League 1 runners up. The move all started with Eduardo’s channel ball where he picked out the advancing run of Ren Kato who dinked a cross in at the near post for talisman Anderson Lopes but missed the ball completely and fell kindly for Kota Watanabe on the penalty spot who just stroked the ball into the bottom right hand corner. Yokohama F. Marinos now in total control of this tie with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
Bangkok United FC have a goal back through Nitipong Selanon on the 35th minute as he slots the ball in under William Popp’s legs from a narrow angle. It all started with Rungrath Poomchantuek down the right flank as he appeared to be fouled by Eduardo but the referee waived advantage as Nitipong Selanon collects the loose ball, shrugs off the attention of Ren Kato, and coolly dispatches the ball through a small gap in between William Popp’s legs. Yokohama F. Marinos 2 Bangkok United FC 1. Game on.
The away side were a whisker away from having their two goal lead back through Yan’s powerful left footed strike just a few minutes later. Yan cuts in dangerously from the right hand side and fizzes a powerful effort towards goal which looked destined for the bottom left hand corner but bent away from goal at the last minute. Brilliant play from the Brazilian forward as he nearly produced a moment of magic.
A few minutes before the break, Rungrath Poomchantuek plays a one two on the edge of the box with Willen before trying to bend the ball into the bottom left hand corner which William Popp was equal to with a fine stop. A warning sign from the home side that they are still in this game. It remains 2-1.
At the break Yokohama F. Marinos take a narrow 2-1 lead over Bangkok United FC here at the Thammasat Stadium here in Pathum Thani, Thailand. Harry Kewell’s side were in cruise control after taking an early two nil lead through Elber and Kota Watanabe but Bangkok United FC pulled a goal back through Nitipong Selanon. It has been an end-to-end affair so far and you couldn’t tell that this is the J-League 1 side’s first competitive fixture since December and that Bangkok United FC’s season is already underway. I expect more of the same in the second half with both sides wanting to be in control of their fate come next week for the return leg. Regardless we are set for a fascinating conclusion to this first leg as both sides will go gung ho for the win.
Heroic defending by the home side just four minutes into the second half as they through their bodies on the line to deny Yokohama F. Marinos three times in quick succession. Yokohama were first denied by the legs of Patiwat Khammai, Tossawat Limwanasthien then blocked a shot with his right foot, which bounced out to the edge of the box where El Capitan, Everton jumps up and stretches his left leg enough to deny a certain goal. Superb defending from Bangkok United FC to keep the score at 2-1.
Nearly an instant impact from substitute Ryo Miyaichi on the 73rd minute as he raced clear on goal but the finish didn’t match the run and went well wide of the right hand post. A sweeping counterattack which used the blistering pace of the former Arsenal forward but his finish lacked any composure and his big chance was wasted.
In the second minute of stoppage time Bangkok United FC through Mahmoud Eid’s bullet header into the bottom left hand corner. It was a pinpoint delivery by Nitipong Selanon to pick out the unmarked Mahmoud Eid who powered a glancing header into the bottom left hand corner leaving William Popp with no chance. 2-2 and we’re now level in this tie.
Shocking challenge by Ken Matsubara on the sixth minute of stoppage time as he receives a straight red card for a high challenge from behind on Vander. Correct decision by Mohammed Khled Al Hoish as Yokohama F. Marinos lose their discipline and show their frustration late on.
It ends all square as Bangkok United FC come from two goals down and rescue a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the AFC Asian Champions League Last 16 tie. This means it’s all to play for in the second leg next week where Yokohama F. Marinos will be looking to home advantage to try see them through to the Quarter Finals but it won’t be straightforward as tonight’s match is evidence of that.
Next up for Bangkok United FC is a return to league action on Saturday the 17th of February where they travel away to face Sukhothai FC and the match is set for an 8pm kick-off.
Next up for Yokohama F. Marinos is the return leg of this fixture in one week’s time where they will host Bangkok United FC in what will be Harry Kewell’s first competitive fixture in front of his new home support at the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama. Only a matter of days later will be the start of the 2024 J-League 1 season where they kick-off away against newly promoted Tokyo Verdy on Sunday the 25th of February.
Bangkok United FC: Patiwat Khammai, Peerapat Notchaiya (Wanchai Jarunongkran 86’), Everton, Manuel Bihr, Nitipong Selanon, Rungrath Poomchantuek (Vander 81’), Pokkhao Anan (Wisarut Imura 81’), Weerathep Pomphan, Tossawat Limwanasthien (Bassel Jradi 58’), Willen, Chayawat Srinawong (Mahmoud Eid 58’). Subs not used: Warut Mekmusik, Putthinan Wannasri, Suphan Thongsong, Boontawee Thepwong, Tassanapong Muaddarak, Adisak Kraisorn, Guntapon Keereeleang.
Yokohama F. Marinos: William Popp, Ken Mitsubara, Takumi Kamijima, Eduardo, Ren Kato, Nam Tae-Hee (Jun Amano 61’), Kota Watanabe, Takuya Kida, Yan (Kota Mizunuma 61’), Anderson Lopes (Asahi Uenaka 83’), Jose Elber (Ryo Miyaichi 71’). Subs not used: Fuma Shirasaka, Riku Terakado, Kaina Yoshio, Yuhi Murakami, Manato Yoshida, Taiki Watanabe, Riku Yamane, Keigo Sakakibara.
Referee: Mohammed Khled Al Hoish
Reporter: Pearse McLaughlin
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