Buriram labour to win over T2 underdogs

• Published date: 10 February 2023
• Publication title: Bangkok Post

Lonsana Doumbouya converted a penalty in the last minute of extra time to help giants Buriram United get the better of underdogs Uthai Thani 2-1 in a last 16 round battle of the Thai FA Cup on Wednesday night.

Elsewhere, Port, under a duo of new coaches Choketawee Promrut and Surapong Kongthep, were impressive as they hammered Chiangmai United 4-0.

Defending champions Buriram United were expected to have a stroll at Uthai Thani Stadium but the hosts proved a tough nut to crack.

The Thunder Castle got their opening goal in the first-half injury time when Suphanat Mueanta set up Lonsana Doumbouya for a header with a lob from the right.

Thai League 2 side Uthai Thani equalised in the 65th minute from a shot by Steeven Langil and kept Buriram, the runaway leaders in the top flight, at bay until 90 minutes to force extra time.

The match was finally decided after 116 minutes when Doumbouya converted a penalty awarded -- Uthai Thani's Pattarapol Kansopha was penalised for pulling Jonathan Bolingi inside the box.

Buriram coach Masatada Ishii admitted that Uthai Thai...