Matchweek 2 of the 2022 AFC Champions League’s East Zone group stage turned out to be an excellent outing for the tournament’s ASEAN representatives. Three teams – Thailand’s BG Pathum United, Singapore’s Lion City Sailors, and Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim – managed to stun South Korean opposition, while Hoang Anh Gia Lai managed to force Australian giants Sydney FC into a 1-1 draw.
On Monday, BGPU took on defending Korean FA Cup champions Jeonnam Dragons at the BG Stadium. Fresh off beating another Southeast Asian team in Filipino titans United City FC, K-League 2 side Jeonnam were confident that they could snatch three more points off BGPU. However, after a goalless first half, the South Koreans were stunned in the 51st minute after Worachit Kanitsribumphen managed to stir some trouble in the Dragons’ defense, enabling Pathompon Charoenrattanapirom to finish things off from several yards out to give BGPU the lead.
The Glass Rabbits then had to fend off some Jeonnam resistance before sealing up the win in the 72nd minute. A Sarach Yooyen corner was headed into the goal by Jakkapan Praisuwan, effectively punishing Jeonnam for their profligacy throughout the match and enabling BGPU to leapfrog the Dragons to the Group G summit.
Around 360 kilometers away in Buriram, another South Korean side in Daegu FC host Singaporean champions Lion City Sailors at the Khao Kradong Stadium. The men in sky blue are seeking to seal their second consecutive win that would see them assume control of Group F for the time being, however they were in for a nasty surprise.
Having learned from their opening day 4-1 defeat at the hands of Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds, LCS immediately went on the offensive with Song Ui-young striking the post in the 2nd minute.