Chonburi 0-1 Nasaf : Match Report [27 Sep @ 3:26am]

Chonburi 0-1 Nasaf
Tuesday 13th September, 2011







Nasaf grabbed a crucial advantage in their AFC Cup quarter-final clash with Chonburi as Ivan Boskovic's 47^th minute goal sealed a scrappy 1-0 win at Chonburi Stadium.

Boskovic slotted home two minutes after the break in a game that saw both sides reduced to 10 men as the hosts were left to rue missed opportunities and now have it all to do in the return leg in Uzbekistan if they are to remain in this season's competition.

Chonburi started the game with a flourish, enjoying much of the early possession and striker Pipob On Mo was able to use his strength to weave his way past three defenders before forcing Murotjon Zukhurov into a save at his near post.

Midfielder Therdsak Chaiman then had a sight of goal from 15 yards out after quarter of an hour but Zukhurov smothered his effort.

Chances were hard to come by in the first-half as both sides cancelled each other out.

Sharks coach Withaya Laohakul switched things around in a bid to give his side more impetus by taking off Arthit Sunthornphit after 33 minutes for tall Brazilian striker Ney Fabiano.

But it was Nasaf who had the best chance of the opening period after 37 minutes when a long cross from the right flank saw Boskovic produce a bullet header from six yards out but keeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool parried it away.

Nasaf's Erkin Baydullaev and Suttinun Phukhom of Chonburi were then given yellow cards for separate rash challenges in the 39^th and 40^th minutes as the first-half ended goalless.

It did not stay that way as Boskovic fired past the Chonburi keeper to give the visitors the lead two minutes into the second period.

Andrejs Pereplotkins then crossed for an unmarked Jahongir Jiyamuradov a few minutes later but he curled a shot just wide of the far post before Baydullaev and Suttinun again received yellow cards within a minute of each other for blatant fouls and both were sent off.

Nasaf were then content to sit back and protect their lead but Nosirbek Otakuziev wasted two clear chances on the counter-attack in the 79^th and 80^th minutes, the first due to poor control and the second he fired straight at Sinthaweechai.

Fabiano then poked the ball past the right post in the dying minutes as Chonburi were unable to find the equaliser they desperately needed.

Full story : www.the-afc.com 

Nasaf 0-1 Chonburi (4-3pens) : Match Report [7 Mar @ 2:01am]

Nasaf 0-1 Chonburi (4-3 pens)
Tuesday 27th September, 2011







Goalkeeper Murod Zukhurov was the hero as Nasaf held their nerve in a penalty shoot-out to beat Chonburi at Karshi Central Stadium and reach the semi-finals of the AFC Cup.

Nasaf went into the game with a 1-0 aggregate lead in the quarter-final thanks to Ivan Boskovic's goal in Thailand a fortnight ago but following a scoreless first-half, Ney Fabiano squared the tie 10 minutes into the second period.

That was the way the scoreline stayed after 120 minutes of action but the Uzbeks came out on top in the shoot-out when Zukhurov saved Therdsak Chaiman's spot kick.

With the one-goal advantage, Nasaf could afford to play for a draw but the home side pressed hard to wrap up the game in the opening 45 minutes.

However, they proved too predictable going forward and Chonburi easily dealt with a succession of crosses while not allowing their opponents a sight of goal.

The Thais then grabbed the goal they were desperately searching for 10 minutes after the interval when a corner found Fabiano and the Brazilian striker brought the ball down before firing into the back of the net.

Nasaf looked to fashion a reply and Boskovic was off target with an effort while Ilkhom Shamuradov unluckily struck the crossbar minutes later.

Anatoliy Demyanenko rang the changes in an attempt to shake up Nasaf's attacking options but they had little effect and the game went into extra time.

Nosir Otakuziev was introduced during the additional period and it seemed to rouse the hosts but the substitute missed two chances as the game ended 1-0 to Chonburi and went to penalties.

Boskovic converted the first spot kick with a precise finish before Zukhurov saved Fabiano's effort.

The next six penalties all found the back of the net, meaning Artur Gevorkyan had the chance to win the game for Nasaf but Chonburi keeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool was equal to the Turkmenistan international's attempt.

Gevorkyan's miss was not to prove costly, though, as Zukhurov kept out Therdsak's strike to send Nasaf into the last four.

Full story : www.the-afc.com 

Chonburi 3-0 Siriwijaya : Match Report [26 May @ 4:05am]

Chonburi 3-0 Siriwijaya
Wednesday 25th June, 2011





Chonburi eased into the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup with a convincing 3-0 win over Sriwijaya at a sodden Chonburi Stadium. Ney Fabiano opened the scoring for the hosts after 17 minutes and Therdsak Chaiman then doubled the lead just before the half-hour mark from the spot. Natthapong Samana completed the scoring with seven minutes to go. Chonburi dominated possession in the first-half and peppered the Sriwijaya goal with a number of attempts.

They took an early lead when a free-kick floated over the Sriwijaya backline saw Phasian Pona contest a 50-50 ball with Sriwijaya keeper Ferry Rotinsulu. Phasian reached the ball first but also received a punch in the head for his trouble but his sacrifice allowed Fabiano to nod home inside the six-yard box. Rendy Siregar provided most of Sriwijaya’s attacking threat in the opening period as his foraging runs down the right won a number of corners for his side that the visitors were unable to take advantage of.

Chonburi then doubled their lead in the 29th minute when striker Pipob On-mo was dragged down in the box and midfielder Therdsak Chaiman coolly converted the resultant penalty. Sinthaweechai Hathairatthanakool then endured a nervous moment 10 minutes later when a wayward long pass was allowed to run through to the Chonburi keeper but due to the sodden pitch, almost did not make it into the 18-yard box for him to pick up.

Sriwijaya had a hard time keeping possession in the second-half and with a two-goal lead, Chonburi often looked content to sit back and wait for the counter-attack. The Sharks spurned another great chance in the 50th minute when Anucha Kitpongsri’s deft cross found Pipob but his shot from eight yards was deflected behind for a corner. Chonburi kept the pressure on and Arthit Sunthornphit was allowed a clear sight of goal from 20 yards out in the 58th minute but shot straight at the keeper.

A minute later Suree Sukha produced a clever stepover to create some space but Rotinsulu parried his effort. Chonburi remained on top and in the 78th minute, Natthaphong picked up a perfectly-weighted ball down the left side, sidestepped his man and had only the keeper to beat but failed to take advantage. Five minutes later, though, he made amends after Jetsadakorn Hemdaeng beat the offside trap and his free header was turned into the net by Natthaphong.

Full story www.the-afc.com

South China 0-3 Chonburi : Match Report [10 May @ 10:00pm]

South China 0-3 Chonburi
Tuesday 10th May, 2011





Two goals from substitute Sukree Etae sealed a 3-0 win for Chonburi over South China at Hong Kong Stadium, a result that could see the Thais claim top spot in Group H of the AFC Cup. Following a goalless first-half, Ney Fabiano broke the deadlock on the hour mark before Sukree scored twice in six minutes to seal a fourth victory of the campaign. Chonburi were level with Persipura Jayapura on 10 points with the Indonesians playing in East Bengal.

The early stages saw an open game with both sides enjoying a number of attempts on goal without seriously threatening either keeper. Chan Wai Ho headed Au Yeung Yiu Chung's free-kick over the bar after 17 minutes before Brazilian defender Joel lifted a set-piece from a promising position over the bar. Three minutes later, Au did the same from further out. Chan Siu Ki then saw a snap shot from range whistle past Chonburi keeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattankool's near post while at the other end, Kaikaew Suppasek cut in from the left but his low drive from the edge of the box was gathered by Yapp Hung Fai.

The pace of the game slowed as the half drew to a close, although Lee Chi Ho saw an acrobatic effort pushed out from under the bar by the Chonburi keeper as the game ended goalless at the break. The visitors then took the lead on the hour mark. With the ball seemingly running out of play, Jetsadakorn Hemdaeng did well to clip a cross towards Fabiano on the far side of the South China box at full stretch and although the striker saw his initial effort blocked by a combination of Lee and Yap, he was alert enough to fire the loose ball into the net.

Kazuto Kushido tried his luck from distance but his shot never threatened Yapp's goal before Chonburi doubled their advantage in the 66th minute. Sukree latched onto a ball dinked forwards and chested it into his path before bundling his way through the challenges of both defender and keeper before slotting into empty net. The Thais claimed their third goal in the 72nd minute when Fabiano played in Sukree and he beat a defender before lifting a neat finish over Yapp and into the back of the net.

Anucha Kitpongsri then spurned a good chance to fashion Chonburi's fourth goal five minutes later as he drove towards the byline but with players lining up in the box, decided to shoot into the side netting instead. Substitute Mateja Kezman then saw his shot on the turn blocked in front of the line by a Chonburi defender before Sukree was denied his hat-trick in stoppage time when, after being sent clean through, Yapp managed to get something on his shot and Chan cleared from almost on the line.

Full story : www.the-afc.com

Chonburi 4-0 East Bengal : Match Report [4 May @ 10:00pm]

Chonburi 4-0 East Bengal
Tuesday 3rd May, 2011





Chonburi secured qualification for the last 16 of the AFC Cup with an emphatic 4-0 victory over East Bengal in their penultimate Group H match. Ney Fabiano and Therdsak Chaiman set the hosts on their way and then striker Pipob On-mo bagged two goals for the second consecutive match in the competition to seal a comprehensive win. The result moved the Thai side top of the pool on 10 points, ahead of Persipura on goal difference and five points clear of third-placed South China.

Both sides struggled to find a footing in the first-half and the hosts suffered an early blow when injury forced Suree Sukha off in the 12th minute to be replaced by Darko Rakocevic. The visitors had a sight of goal in the 16th minute when Tolgay Ozbey earned a free-kick just outside the box, but it came to nothing. At the other end four minutes later, a ricochet in the East Bengal box allowed Chonlatit Jantakam to strike an effort that Fabiano back-heeled against the far post before it was eventually cleared.

Fabiano was causing East Bengal problems in the air, but the home team struggled to apply the final touch. Suttinun Phukhom lashed in a shot which goalkeeper Sandip Nandy saved comfortably at the far post in the 27th minute. Eight minutes Fabiano set up Therdsak, but he shot straight at the keeper from 18 yards. Chonburi keeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool too had to be alert to keep out a fierce effort from Robin Singh eight minutes before the break, with Arthit Sunthornphit blasting a 30-yard free-kick over the bar three minutes later.

East Bengal’s best chance arrived in the 42nd minute when Penn Orji wrong-footed his marker down the right and rifled in a shot from eight yards but it flew over the bar. The deadlock was finally broken in first-half stoppage time by Chonburi. An Arthit free-kick was met at the far post by a twisting Fabiano, who managed to flick the ball back off the side of his head into the near post past a static Sandip. The goal changed the momentum of the game, and Chonburi did not take long to rub salt into East Bengal’s wounds by extending their lead.

Therdsak cannoned a free-kick against the underside of the bar in the opening minute of the second-half and, although Pipob was unable to reach the rebound, the hosts were two goals up within 60 seconds. Fabiano headed back a cross to Arthit, who mis-hit his volley but the wayward shot fell perfectly for the onrushing Therdsak to pass the ball into the net. East Bengal were shell-shocked and rarely looked like getting back into the match, with the greater threat coming at the other end. A long clearance freed Pipob, who got between two defenders and blasted home the third goal and then, when the visiting defence failed to deal with a long goal-kick, Fabiano headed on for Pipob to poke past Sandip as he rushed off his line.

Full story : www.the-afc.com

Chonburi 4-1 Persipura Jayapura : Match Report [26 Apr @ 10:00pm]

Chonburi 4-1 Persipura Jayapura
Tuesday 26th April, 2011





Pipob On-mo scored twice as Chonburi moved to the top of Group H in the AFC Cup with a 4-1 win over Persipura Jayapura on Tuesday, a scoreline that easily could have been more emphatic. The Sharks are now level with Persipura Jayapura with seven points with both teams having two games to play. Talismanic 37-year-old midfielder Therdsak Chaiman was again the best player on the pitch, relentlessly picking apart the Indonesian defence with through-balls or keeping possession and movement with short passes.

Both sides struggled to find a rhythm early on with Persipura enjoying an equal share of the possession although they did not threaten the Chonburi goal. Defender Suree Sukha broke the deadlock for Chonburi in the 16th minute but both sides were still tense and Anucha Kitpongsri earned a yellow card for Chonburi on the half-hour mark with a tackle from behind. Persipura forward Boas Salossa broke away in the 32nd minute after a mistake by the Chonburi defence but his heavy first touch allowed the keeper to deflect the ball for a corner.

The Sharks doubled their lead three minutes later when Arthit Sunthornpit fired a pinpoint cross to Pipob that he volleyed in from close range. Chonburi eased away and in the 40th minute Anucha set off on a mazy run through the penalty box, eluding two players before he was hacked from behind by Titus Bonai. Therdsak, MVP in the inaugural AFC Champions League when playing for BEC Tero Sasana, calmly dispatched the penalty to make the scoreline 3-0 before half-time.

Pipob had two one-on-ones with the goalkeeper in added time but shot directly at the opposition custodian before attempting to chip him but instead, put the ball over the bar. The second-half was mostly one-way traffic, but Persipura did manage to spurn a fine chance in the 50th minute when Sinthaweechai Hathairatthanakool fumbled a cross, dropping it at the feet of Yustinus Paew but he could not react quickly enough.

Nine minutes later the Black Pearls were reduced to 10 men when Ortizan Salossa received his second yellow card for a studs-up lunge at Kazuto Kushida. Pipob and substitute Suppasek Kaikaew both missed chances before Therdsak beat the offside trap to feed Suppasek in the 71st minute, who fed in a cross that Pipob glanced home. Defender Bio Paulin earned a consolation goal for Persipura with a towering header from a corner in the 75th minute, but Chonburi had three more excellent chances in the box that they squandered before the final whistle.

The result draws Chonburi level with the Indonesians at the top of Group F on seven points, two ahead of third-placed South China.

Full story : www.the-afc.com

Persipura Jayapura 3-0 Chonburi : Match Report [13 Apr @ 10:00pm]

Persipura Jayapura 3-0 Chonburi
Wednesday 13th April, 2011





Persipura Jayapura ensured the first-ever continental game at Mandala Stadium will be remembered for some time to come after they downed Chonburi 3-0. Tinus Pae, Titus Bonai, and Lukas Mandowen grabbed t he goals that sent Persipura top of AFC Cup Group G and even Yohanis Tjoe's late sending off did little to dampen the mood. Coach Jacksen Tiago was true to his word, playing attractive football to claim the points.

Pae, Bonai, and Boaz Solossa carried the threat up front with Liberian international Zah Rahan sitting a little deeper. The Black Pearls had their first chance in the eighth minute when Bonai delivered an inviting cross towards Solossa but he sent his effort wide. A minute later, they took the lead when Solossa eased past a couple of Chonburi defenders with his lightning pace down the left flank and Pae tapped home.

Chonburi almost hit back in the 11th minute when Serbian defender Darko Rakocevic headed a free-kick towards goal but keeper Yoo Jae-hoon was equal to the effort. Bonai found the net in the 13th minute only for his effort to be ruled out for handball but he eventually got on the score-sheet two minutes before the break when he fired home following a scramble in the box. Leading 2-0, Persipura were content to defend in the second-half.

Chonburi dominated possession and almost pulled one back in the 50th minute but Ortizan Solossa hacked Pipob On Mo’s shot off the line. Pipob again had a chance in the 63rd minute but his header hit the crossbar with Yoo well beaten. Yoo enjoyed a superb second-half as he continually frustrated Chonburi and his save indirectly led to Persipura's third goal in the 83rd minute. The Korean keeper was at full-stretch to claw Pipob's header away before Bhio Paulin's clearance freed substitute Lukas Mandowen, who chased down the ball as it headed towards Chonburi's penalty area.

Mandowen was second favourite to get the ball but keeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool failed to collect the ball and he took advantage of the error to slide home. Yoo managed to keep his clean sheet intact when he saved Suphasek Kaikaew’s shot in the 86th minute and while Persipura were reduced to 10 men in the 89th minute after Tjoe saw a second yellow card they comfortably closed out a historic victory.

Full report : www.the-afc.com

Chonburi 3-0 South China : Match Report [13 Apr @ 10:00pm]

Chonburi 3-0 South China
Wednesday 16th March, 2011





Chonburi FC produced a consummate performance to down South China 3-0 in Group H of the AFC Cup at Chonburi Stadium. Natthaphong Samana broke the deadlock in the 27th minute, tapping in a low cross from Ekaphan Inthasen after a clever through ball from Therdsak Chaiman. Skipper Therdsak proved the driving force behind Chonburi's success and he netted the second goal from the spot with seven minutes remaining before setting up Arthit Sunthornphit to add a third goal in stoppage time.

A packed Chonburi Stadium had onlookers climbing the fence for a glimpse of the action and the Sharks did not disappoint. Chonburi had the lion’s share of chances before Nattaphong’s breakthrough in the first-half. Both sides employed an aggressive 4-4-2 formation but Chonburi were more successful at finding space on the flanks. South China midfielder Nicky Butt and forward Mateja Kezman garnered the most of the attention leading up to the showdown on account of their Premier League pedigree but they were stifled by Chonburi’s dogged defence, with Kezman eventually earning a yellow card in the opening period for a reckless tackle borne of frustration.

South China goalkeeper Yapp Hung Fai continued to take risks throughout the first half, coming far off his line twice and getting beaten to the ball both times but Chonburi were unable to make the visitors pay, going in at the break with a narrow lead following Natthaphong's goal just before the half-hour mark. The introduction of Ney Fabiano early in the second period posed more problems for South China and the hosts almost doubled their lead in the 63rd minute when Adul Lahso lashed a 25-yard drive at Yapp that the South China custodian was unable to hold.

It led to a melee in front of goal as the ball came perilously close to trickling over the line before Chonburi were penalised for a foul. Fabiano missed from close range in the 68th minute and Therdsak saw a shot saved at the near post as the home side continued to search for the crucial second goal. It came in the 83rd minute as Therdsak instigated a counter-attack that resulted in Fabiano being felled from behind in the box by Joel Padilha, who was also booked for his trouble.

Therdsak converted from the spot but was forced into a re-take for encroachment by his team-mates. The midfielder made no mistake at the second attempt, however. There was still time for Therdsak to feed Arthit and he finished from a wide angle to put extra gloss on the final score line in stoppage time.

Full report : www.the-afc.com

East Bengal 4-4 Chonburi : Match Report [13 Apr @ 10:00pm]

East Bengal 4-4 Chonburi
Wednesday 2nd March, 2011





East Bengal scored two late goals to claim a thrilling 4-4 draw with Chonburi in their opening AFC Cup Group H clash at Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday. In a game full of fluctuating fortunes, East Bengal surged into a two-goal lead inside the first 20 minute before Chonburi hit back to go 4-2 up, only for the hosts to peg them back with 11 minutes to go. East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan had warned that his team would not have it easy against the Sharks yet the hosts did not seem to encounter any such problems at the start.

The Federation Cup champions took the lead in the seventh minute through Australian striker Tolgay Ozbey. Chonburi goalkeeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool lost possession of the ball under pressure from striker Robin Singh and Ozbey had no problem in finding the back of the net with an empty goal beckoning him from the edge of the box. East Bengal then made it 2-0 in the 20th minute when midfielder Penn Orji found Ozbey and his snap shot deflected off Chonburi defender Chonlatit Jantakam and into the net.

Despite being 2-0 down, Chonburi never looked to be out. Veteran midfielder Therdsak Chaiman and striker Adul Lahso were combining well and it was only a matter of time before the Thais reduced the deficit. The 29th minute goal, though, came in fortunate circumstances when captain Pipob On-mo pounced on a rebound after Ekaphan Inthasen's initial shot was blocked by East Bengal goalkeeper Sandip Nandy. Two minutes before the interval, the scores were level as Adul's piledriver from the edge of the box gave Nandy no chance.

The second period saw Chonburi not just dominate but also take the lead for the first time. It was Pipob once again who got his name on the score sheet, grabbing hi second in the 67th minute, and when midfielder Ekaphan increased the lead with an angled drive that went in via the inside of the post, the visitors were well and truly on the path to victory. It was not to be, though, as East Bengal fought their way back into the game. Substitute Baljit Sahni reduced arrears in the 75th minute when he exchanged passes with Robin Singh before firing home.

Four minutes later another substitute Ravinder Singh kept his nerve to slot home a penalty, awarded after a Chonburi defender had tripped Robin Singh, and ensure a share of the spoils for East Bengal.

Full report : www.the-afc.com

AFC Cup 2011 Schedule [28 Dec @ 7:40am]

Download (pdf): 317 KB

The full schedule for the 2011 AFC Cup can be found in the attached document. Chonburi are in Group H, along with East Bengal, South China and Persipura Jayapura, and their fixtures are on page 8.

AFC Cup 2011 - Previews & News [28 Dec @ 12:00am]

CHONBURI READY FOR STRONGER RUN
by www.the-afc.com 7/12/10
Thailand’s Chonburi FC are hoping to improve upon their quarter-final appearance in the 2009 edition of AFC Cup at the next edition in 2011. Chonburi, who lost to Vietnam’s Binh Duong 4-2 on aggregate in 2009, will have to battle it out for one of the top two spots in Group H with Hong Kong’s South China, Kingfisher East Bengal (India) and Persipura Jayapura (Indonesia).

Chonburi FC Team Manager Thanasak Suraprasert said: “We are in a tough group but our target is to get better result than our last eight appearance in 2009. I hope we can reach the final this time.” He singled out South China as their biggest group rival saying, “South China are a very strong side and they will test our strength in the group phase. “I think reaching the Round of 16 should not be a big problem for us.”

MORGAN WARY OF SHARKS AT SALT LAKE
by www.the-afc.com 2/3/11
East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan admitted his team have a battle on their hands when they play host to Chonburi in their opening AFC Cup Group H encounter at Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday. Since Morgan took over at the start of the season, East Bengal have been India’s most consistent team, winning the domestic league, the Federation Cup and challenging in the I-League where they currently lie second.

Despite an impressive domestic record, Morgan knows that the team’s first international assignment, even at home, will be a stiff examination of their credentials. “I was fortunate enough to see Chonburi play last weekend. They are a very good footballing side who keep the ball on the ground and are very patient in possession,” he said. “They play a system that our players will not have come up against too often, so it will be a good test for us. “The stadium, playing surface and facilities at Chonburi would be the envy of many clubs throughout the world.”

The former Hull City development coach confirmed he is also forced to shuffle his line-up against the Thai side. “Three players from our first team squad will be out with injuries, one long term, one may be up to six weeks and another short term,” he added. “We have played a lot of games without certain players and the other squad members who have taken their places have been tremendous in terms of performance and attitude. “In the I-League and AFC Cup we will always endeavour to put out our best eleven. I don’t like to change the team too much or alter our formation as the players are comfortable in our system.”

Chonburi ran a training session on the Salt Lake stadium’s artificial turf after arriving in Kolkata and Sharks’ coach Withaya Laohakul highlighted his concerns over the pitch as well as their opponents. “The artificial turf will be a big worry for the players, he said. “Back home we have trained on a similar surface but a competitive match on an artificial turf will be big test for us. “I have seen East Bengal’s videos and must admit they are a very good side. Australian striker Tolgay (Ozbey) in particular will pose a serious challenge to us.”

Chonburi, runners-up in the Thailand Premier League, have three foreign players in their ranks from Brazil, Japan and Serbia, but Withaya said he could start with just one stating that: “our local players are better than the foreign players.” “We have our own concerns going into this match. The artificial turf and the strength of our opponents are only a few of them. But we are here to compete and take three points out of this match,” concluded Withaya.

WE HAVE BUTT COVERED VOWS CHONBURI COACH
by www.the-afc.com 15/3/11
Chonburi coach Wittaya Laohakul believes his side have what it takes to cope with former Manchester United and England midfielder Nicky Butt when they take on South China in the AFC Cup on Wednesday. The Thai side go into the Group H contest on the back of a 6-0 win over TOT, their second in two Thai Premier League matches, but with a six-time EPL winner among the men lining up to face his team, the continental challenge is likely to be somewhat stiffer.

But in Adul Lahso and Kazuto Kushida, Wittaya believes he has the players to keep on top of South China. “Nicky Butt will be their key player but my players, Adul and Kushida, will stop him,” he said. With all four teams on one point after a drawn round of games two weeks ago, the group appears to be an open one. Wittaya feels his team can challenge and have some unfinished business to attend to in the competition. “We are happy to be back in the AFC Cup,” he added. “We surprised the continent in the 2008 AFC Champions League, but we succumbed in the AFC Cup quarter-finals in 2009” “The players know their responsibility well, and they need to stick to the duties I have assigned to them on the pitch.”

South China, Hong Kong’s most decorated team, will not lack any conviction heading to Chonburi Stadium after travelling to Muang Thong United last year and winning. South China coach Chen Ho Yin said: “Chonburi are a strong side but we feel if we perform well we can win. “We have watched tapes of Chonburi and rate Therdsak Chaiman as the most dangerous player. We have to be sure to mark him.” Therdsak was on target again on Sunday, netting a brace in the first-half. Chonburi were involved in a 4-4 thriller with Kingfisher East Bengal from India, while South China drew 1-1 against Persipura Jayapura from Indonesia and Chen feels that, despite their disappointing opening draw, his side have the experience to prevail. “We want to be champions, this is the reason we brought in (Mateja) Kezman and Nicky Butt. We want their experience to take our team to the championship,” he said.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME FOR PERSIPURA
by www.the-afc.com 12/4/11
History will be made in Wednesday's AFC Cup Group H match between Persipura Jayapura and Chonburi FC as it will be the first time the hosts play a continental game at Mandala Stadium. Persipura had previously been unable to use the Mandala as it did not meet the AFC's required regulations, forcing them to play home games at Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta. However, the Black Pearls have resolved the issues surrounding their home ground and coach Jacksen Tiago insisted his side will do everything not to let the fans down. “We had been waiting for this time to come,” he said. “Finally we can play in our own stadium in front of our own fans. This match is going to be special. Everybody expects us to give spectacular performance. I can't promise you that, but we will try our best. The atmosphere is going to be great so we’ll take it to our own advantage.”

Tiago will be able to field a full-strength side. Titus Bonai, Lukas Mandowen, Ian Kabes will all be available as will talisman, Boaz Solossa, who leads the team upfront. “We don’t have injury problems but our preparation for this game is actually short because we just arrived home on Saturday after playing away in Pekanbaru,” added the Persipura boss. “We just had our first practice yesterday and some players are still recovering from fatigue. “But it’s not going to cause us major problems because we have studied Chonburi. I have a couple of friends in Thailand and I’ve gained some insights from them. I’ve seen their video also. I hope we can get a positive result to ensure our place in the next round.”

Meanwhile Chonburi boss Withaya Laohakul believes his side can crash Persipura's party on Wednesday. The Thais are level with their opponents on four points at the top of Group H. “We will play attacking football. I believe we can win in Jayapura despite losing a couple of first-team players,” he said. “We will pay attention to two most dangerous players from Persipura. The leading domestic top-scorer (Solossa) and the speedy right winger (Kabes). Both players can cause us problems tomorrow. I don’t remember their shirt numbers, but we will have them watched.” “The match will be played at 4pm local time. It’s 2pm Bangkok time. It has become our concern because we never play at 2pm before.

SHARKS STILL LACKED BITE CLAIMS COACH
by www.the-afc.com 27/4/11
Chonburi may have boosted their chances of reaching the last 16 in the AFC Cup with an emphatic 4-1 win over Group F leaders Persipura Jayapura at Chonburi PE Stadium but boss Withaya Laohakul was still not completely satisfied with his side's performance. Pipob On-mo scored twice and Suree Sukha and Therdsak Chaiman also weighed in with a goal apiece while Bio Paulin claimed a consolation for the visitors, who had Ortizan Salossa sent off in the second-half.

“We made too many mistakes in front of their goal,” said Withaya. “We should have scored at least seven goals today if I kept track. At this level of competition, I am not happy with my players’ finishing skills.” Chonburi next face East Bengal and Withaya wants victory over the Indian side to ease the pressure going in to their final game at South China. “We played well at home and this is one of our best matches in terms of overall performance,” he added. “We really need to win our next match against East Bengal so that the last game in Hong Kong we can rotate some players. This month we have played eight games, and the players need some rest.”

Black Pearls head coach Jacksen Tiago pointed to two lessons he hoped his team will take on board while pondering the loss. “One, we made too many mistakes in the middle. We just can’t do that and still win,” said the Brazilian. “And two, my players spent too much time complaining with referees and lost focus. We need to fix this aspect for our next game.” Beyond that, Tiago was not going to dwell on the game too much. “This is football, and anything can happen,” he added. “We’ve got two more games to go in the AFC and I hope my players will forget this match and get back on track. “I am not happy, of course, but I am a sporting man and we need to accept the loss and come back strong quickly. Chonburi played very well, they controlled the passing.”

Persipura next face South China in Indonesia in a game that could decide both sides' future in the competition.

HALF TIME GRILLING FIRED UP CHONBURI
by www.the-afc.com 3/5/11
Chonburi boss Withaya Laohakul revealed a half-time roasting for his team was the driving force behind the 4-0 victory over East Bengal at Chonburi PE Stadium that saw the Thais join Persipura Jayapura in the last 16 of the AFC Cup. Ney Fabiano and Therdsak Chaiman set the hosts on their way with goals either side of the interval and then striker Pipob On-mo netted two goals for the second consecutive match to seal a comprehensive win.

With Persipura Jayapura beating South China 4-2, it means they and the Sharks will progress to the knockout stage although the Group H winner will not be decided until next week. The two sides are locked together on 10 points with the Indonesians travelling to East Bengal while Chonburi take on South China at Hong Kong Stadium. “Some of our players maybe like to hear some yelling to get them going, and I felt we had a poor performance in the first half, so I was trying to encourage them,” said Withaya. “Our side lacked balance because we had too many injured players, so it was difficult for us to build up our style. I knew we could win this game but I was expecting more from the players, and especially our defensive game was not at the standard that I expect.”

Withaya, though, is keen to secure a home tie in the next stage by winning the group and also paid tribute to Kazuto Kushida, saying: “I think we have just found the best midfielder in Asia.” However, in addition to missing defenders Anucha Kitpongsri and Natthaphong Samana and midfielder Ekkaphan Inthasen due to injury, defender Suree Sukha had to come off after 12 minutes giving the Chonburi boss a potential headache when deciding on his back four for their AFC Cup finale.

East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan took one positive from the game – his side's first-half performance. “But we played much too defensive in the second half,” said Morgan. “We conceded the same type of goals as we have done before; two goals in five minutes and that’s been the end of our team.” East Bengal have two points after five games and cannot advance but face a busy schedule of fixtures over the next fortnight. “We have five more games in 14 days, so this is what we have to live with,” he added.

NO LET UP FROM CHONBURI VOWS WITTHAYA
by www.the-afc.com 9/5/11
Chonburi will not rest on their laurels as they go in pursuit of first place in Group H of the AFC Cup against South China at Hong Kong Stadium on Tuesday. The Sharks sealed their passage into the last 16 with a comfortable 4-0 defeat of East Bengal last week in Thailand. However, they are level with Persipura Jayapura on 10 points with the team that heads the standings after the final round of games earning a home game in the knockout stage.

That is why Chonburi must once again overcome a side they beat 3-0 first time around according to boss Withaya Laohakul, who will be without the suspended Suttinun Phukhom. “We need to win the game because we want to be first in the group and play at home in the next round, that is the reason,” he said. “We need to play well and get three points even though we will miss key players. I hope my team can produce a collective spirit tomorrow, I need to see that from my players.”

South China will be no pushovers though despite their underwhelming campaign. “They are at home, they have a very good midfield and centre-forward and are quick on the wings. We need to be careful of that,” added Withaya. “We lost some key players but we have a good defence and are very strong in midfield.” And Withaya's ambition does not stop at just finishing on top of the table. “Our objective is not only to be first in the group but also to win the AFC Cup,” he said.

For South China, it has been a disappointing AFC Cup as the acquisitions of Nicky Butt and Mateja Kezman meant they were expected to be among the challengers for the title. Instead, just one win and two draws is all they have to show for their efforts, meaning an early exit. Butt, Li Haiqiang and Zhang Chunhui are suspended for the Chonburi clash but boss Chang Minh Hui is keen to end a forgettable Asian season on a high note. “It is our last game and I hope many supporters come to support us, we want to put on a good performance,” he said. “One team's success is not just one or two players or good coaches, it is everybody doing well. I think it has been a good experience for the players and me. “We will do our best to win the game.”

SOUTH CHINA BURDENED BY GREAT EXPECTATIONS
by www.the-afc.com 11/5/11
South China boss Chan Yo Hin admitted the Hong Kong side may have taken this year's AFC Cup too lightly after a poor campaign ended on a disappointing note with a 3-0 defeat to Chonburi at Hong Kong Stadium. Substitute Sukree Etae scored twice after fellow replacement Ney Fabiano had opened the scoring in the second-half as South China were again well beaten by the visitors, who also recorded a 3-0 triumph in Thailand in March.

Having reached the semi-finals in 2009 and the last 16 last year, hopes were high that South China would once again be among the front runners for the trophy given the acquisitions of Nicky Butt and Mateja Kezman. But five points represented a poor return from their Group H campaign that featured just one win, a narrow 1-0 triumph against East Bengal at home. “This season, the AFC Cup was very disappointing as the last two years we qualified for the second stage,” said Chan. “Sometimes we maybe think it was too easy to win but it wasn't, every game was a hard game and hopefully we can learn from this. Maybe we had too high expectations for this year's tournament and I'm sorry for all the fans. “I think it is good experience for the players, the coach and everyone on the team and I hope next season we can win the Hong Kong League and use this experience in future AFC Cups.”

Having gone in goalless at the break, South China leaked three in the second period and Chan lamented a lack of focus from his men. “We lost three goals in the second-half, the same as the last game against Chonburi and the performance was not so good,” he added. “The players, they lost concentration. The match is 90 minutes long, not 45.” For Chonburi, the victory coupled with Persipura Jayapura's 1-1 draw at East Bengal means they top the table and can now look forward to a home encounter in the first knockout stage.

Boss Withaya Laohakul felt the changes in personnel paid dividends. “I said before game that we lacked some key players and that's why in the first-half our passing game was not so good,” he said. “After we made some substitutions, we improved and we were lucky to score. I did not expect us to score three goals. “It was a very good game, we dominated the second-half and we got three points.”

WITTHAYA WANTS PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE
by www.the-afc.com 24/5/11
Chonburi head coach Withaya Laohakul called on his side to produce a focused performance when they entertain Sriwijaya in the last 16 of the AFC Cup at Chonburi Stadium. Defender Darko Rakocevic is suspended for the clash and Withaya underlined he expects a professional performance from his men. “To write smart tactics on the board doesn’t do anything,” he said. “The players must perform as planned if we are going to win tomorrow.”

Withaya also believes the Sharks have the capability to chase success in both the AFC Cup and the Thai Premier League. “I think both goals can be achieved,” he added. “I want my players to play at 75% of their capacity in both competitions and I think we can win both.” Withaya does not expect the title race, where Chonburi are six points behind undefeated Buriram PEA but with a game in hand, to heap extra pressure on his players as the continental tournament enters the knockout phase.

“My players are experienced enough to leave all those side issues off the field before they lace up their boots,” he said. Chonburi have also seen a number of key players recover from injury, leading Withaya to joke about the team he may field on Wednesday. “Our subs all performed well in training, but hopefully I won't have to use all three of them tomorrow,” he said. Chonburi finished their Group H campaign with a 3-0 defeat of South China in Hong Kong as they topped the table and earned a home tie in the knockout stage.

Sriwijaya's talismanic striker Keith Gumbs will also be suspended for the clash but Withaya does not expect his absence to affect the outcome. “I’m pretty sure they have speedy young replacements who can tear down the wing, so I don’t think we are gaining an advantage from the suspension,” he said. Sriwijaya assistant manager Kas Hartadi admitted to win in Chonburi would be hard but emphasised the team has trained well for the encounter. In addition, he was coy about the team’s plan to replace Gumbs. “We have a secret weapon to replace our suspended striker, but we can't name him here,” added Hartadi. “I am confident we can advance to the quarter-final round, because our fast-paced pressure strategy can work on the road.”

WITTHAYA SINKS TEETH INTO SHARKS
by www.the-afc.com 26/5/11
Despite seeing his side progress to the last eight of the AFC Cup, boss Withaya Laohakul blasted Chonburi’s performance in the 3-0 victory over Sriwijaya and insisted they must tighten up if they are to become serious contenders to lift the trophy. The hosts controlled much of the game at Chonburi Stadium but sodden conditions made intricate build-up play a difficult proposition. Ney Fabiano opened the scoring with a close-range header after 17 minutes before Therdsak Chaiman doubled the Sharks’ lead from the spot just before the half-hour mark.

Natthaphong Samana wrapped up the scoring seven minutes from time but Withaya was nevertheless unhappy with what he saw from his men. “I am not satisfied with this performance and we are lucky to advance,” he said. “We made too many easy mistakes that they could have capitalised on.” Still, the Chonburi boss is now relishing the prospect of possibly pitting his side against the best West Asia has to offer. “I am looking forward to playing against the West Asian clubs, as I want to know where we stack up in Asia,” he added. “But I think we will meet Muang Thong United in the AFC Cup final.”

Sriwijaya coach Ivan Kolev, meanwhile, was not left in the best of moods by the defeat. “The game ended in the first 25 minutes. I thought the referee just gave a present to Chonburi,” said Kolev. “The referee’s decisions cut into our players’ motivation. Too many fouls were given to the host team. Unfortunately, it's very difficult to come back after a 2-0 deficit and we struggled in the second half.”

The Bulgarian is also unhappy with the way the knockout rounds are structured. “I don't like this one-off format in the Round of 16. We only have one chance in an away game, and this is not good for football fans,” he added. “Congratulations to Chonburi FC but they will face stronger opponents in the next round.”

SHARKS LOOK TO SINK TEETH INTO NASAF
by www.the-afc.com 12/9/11
Chonburi FC coach Withaya Laohakul has called on his side to make home advantage really count when they host Nasaf Karshi in an AFC Cup quarter-final first-leg tie at Chonburi Stadium.

Chonburi face a strong Nasaf side currently second in their domestic league and Withaya knows the Thais need to establish a comfortable lead for the difficult return leg in Uzbekistan if they are to reach the semi-finals.

"Of course we want to win but I would hope we can leave Chonburi with at least a three-goal advantage," he said.

"At this level of competition, to win by one goal is not enough."

Midfielder Therdsak Chaiman endorsed his manager's standpoint.

"We have to take the advantage by scoring as many goals as we can while we are home," added Therdsak, who has experience of facing Uzbekistan teams when BEC Tero Sasana played in the AFC Champions League.

"That will give us confidence for the away game in Karshi."

Withaya, though, will have to contend with injuries as key defenders Natthaphong Samana and Anucha Kitpongsri are likely to be ruled out of Tuesday's clash.

"You might see a different line-up than usual tomorrow," he added.

With heavy rain having fallen this month in Thailand, both coaches were wary of how the conditions might affect their tactics but while Nasaf coach Anatoliy Demianenko Anatolii was coy over his side's approach, Withaya was much more forthright.

"If it rains, the game will be difficult to play since both teams play the ball on the ground with a quick passing style," he said.

"If Nasaf start the game with a full attacking strategy, I think they will be trapped and lose heavily, as we have done a lot of homework on this tactic."

The Sharks go into the game on the back of a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Siam Navy in the Thai Premier League on Saturday that saw them leapfrog fellow AFC Cup quarter-finalists Muang Thong United into second place in the domestic table.

However Chonburi, who topped Group H, will face a much different proposition in Nasaf after the Uzbeks swept all before them in topping Group A, scoring an incredible 30 goals in six games in the process.

NASAF NOT SITTING BACK SAYS DEMIANENKO
by www.the-afc.com 12/9/11
Nasaf coach Anatoliy Demianenko insisted his team will not sit back when they take on Chonburi in the first-leg of their AFC Cup quarter-final game at Chonburi Stadium.

While most teams would be content to grind out a draw Demianenko, who saw his side hit 30 goals in six games as they won Group A, insisted the Uzbeks would not be entertaining any such notion in Thailand.

"Of course we want to win the game, even a tough away match like this," he said

"Only after some time will we be able to judge our performance but we won every match in the group stage and our aim is to reach the AFC Cup final.

"We have three Uzbek national team players, three Olympic squad players and one Latvian international on our team. We are more than ready."

Poised and confident, Nasaf are still coming up against an unknown opponent in a foreign setting.

"We have watched DVDs of all of Chonburi's AFC Cup games to prepare," added Demianenko.

"Our tactics are secret now but we will reveal them to you all tomorrow at seven pm.

"Chonburi are a strong team but we have prepared tactics to play against them. Any away match will be a bit difficult but in our home match later this month, I am sure we will win."

Demianenko was also keen for Thailand's unpredictable weather to steer clear of Chonburi Stadium but Nasaf captain Batir Koreav was unconcerned over the conditions.

"I came to Thailand in 2008 with the national team and played three matches here, so I am pretty familiar with the country and the climate," said the defender.

"This is my first time in Chonburi and since we came here late last night, I have seen much of the surrounding city."

Koraev also singled out midfielder Arthit Sunthornphit and forward Ney Fabiano as Chonburi's main threats that the Uzbeks will have to shut down.

Nasaf go into the encounter on the back of 1-1 draw against Masha'al in the Uzbekistan Oliy Liga on Thursday and last month saw off heavyweights Bunyodkor on penalties to reach the final of the Uzbekistan Cup.

Having also strolled through Group A, Demianenko's men will be confident of a good result in South East Asia as they look to take a step closer to the AFC Cup final.


NASAF NOT THERE YET WARNS DEMIANENKO
by www.the-afc.com 13/9/11
Nasaf boss Anatoliy Demianenko warned his team they have not yet booked their place in the semi-finals of the AFC Cup despite a 1-0 victory at Chonburi that makes them firm favourites to progress. Ivan Boskovic struck the crucial goal two minutes into the second period of the quarter-final first-leg game at Chinburi Stadium before both sides were reduced to 10 men when Erkin Baydullaev and Suttinun Phukhom were shown second yellow cards.

Just a draw at home in Uzbekistan in two weeks' time will seal Nasaf's passage into the last four but while hailing his side's performance in Thailand, Demianenko is still keen to guard against any complacency.

"We studied every game that Chonburi played in the AFC Cup this year and I think our tactics worked really well," he said.

"Yes we have home ground advantage for the next match but that does not mean we are guaranteed a victory. We need to go back and study the tapes and do our homework."

For his part, defiant Chonburi coach Withaya Laohakul vowed his side will battle until the very end.

"I am not giving up yet. We still have a 50-50 chance, just like they do," he said.

"If they can score here, why can't we do it there? The goal we conceded was a defender's mistake and we were punished for that. At this level, you can't make easy mistakes."

Indeed the Chonburi boss felt nerves played a part on his side's defeat.

"It was a good game and our players learned a lot. My players need to know if they are going to be world-class players at the professional level, they should not be nervous," Withaya added.

"And yet today, nerves got the better of some of our team."

The Sharks' coach also admitted his initial strategy did not work, causing him to make an early switch and bring on Ney Fabiano for winger Arthit Sunthornphit after 33 minutes.

"In the first half we could not play our game on the wings, which is our strength," said he said.

"They closed us down and that's why we had a poor attacking game today."


NO COMPLACENCY FROM NASAF
by www.the-afc.co 26/9/11
Nasaf boss Anatoly Demianenko insisted there will be no complacency from his side as they look to book a place in the semi-finals of the AFC Cup at the expense of Chonburi at Karshi Central Stadium on Tuesday.

The Uzbekistan outfit are slight favourites to progress after Ivan Boskovic's goal two minutes into the second period saw them come away from Thailand with a slender 1-0 advantage.

But Demianenko dispelled any notion that Nasaf already had their minds on the last four and underlined Chonburi will be eager to capitalise on any slip by the hosts, who will be without Shukhrat Mirholdirshaev through injury and Erkin Baydullaev through suspension after the latter was sent-off just before the hour mark at Chonburi Stadium.

"We are preparing for the match very seriously," said Demianenko.

"There are two absences in our squad, the injured Shukhrat Mirholdirshaev and the suspended Erkin Baydullaev, who was sent off in the match two weeks ago.

"Chonburi are a well-balanced team and therefore we should not be complacent. The game will not be easy.

"Our task is to win the match but how we will achieve that, we will know after the game.

"We are not even thinking about a possible opponent for the semi-finals because we have not yet reached that stage but I will say right now - at this stage there are no weak opponents. So it makes no difference for us."

Boskovic's goal against Chonburi was his ninth of the current AFC Cup campaign, making the Montenegrin the competition's top scorer.

Nasaf have found the back of the net with ruthless regularity in the continental competition having scored 33 times in eight games. Boskovic has been at the forefront of the goal glut for the Uzbeks but Demianenko revealed his star striker has only recently carried that form over to the domestic scene.

"In the first half of the season, Ivan Boskovic scored only in the AFC Cup but after the match in Chonburi, he started to score in the Uzbekistan championship too," said Demianenko.

"Let us hope that he will continue to score."


SHARKS WILL ATTACK VOWS WITTHAYA
by www.the-afc.com 26/9/11
Chonburi coach Withaya Laohakul conceded hosts Nasaf are very much the favourites to qualify for the semi-finals of the AFC Cup but insisted The Sharks will give everything they have to overturn a 1-0 deficit and stun the Uzbekistan side at Karshi Central Stadium.

Ivan Boskovic scored the only goal of the game two minutes into the second period of the first game at Chonburi Stadium before both sides were reduced to 10 men when both Chonburi defender Suttinun Phukhom and midfielder Erkin Baydullaev were dismissed before the hour after collecting second bookings.

Both are suspended for Tuesday's return encounter and Withaya has injury doubts over two more of his squad but with his side needing to score at the home ground of a side that has impressed in their run to the last eight, to keep alive their dreams of glory the Chonburi boss promised they will attempt to take the game to Nasaf.

"After we lost the first quarter-final match, our chances to qualify for the semi-final are reduced," acknowledged Withaya.

"However, we will play for the win only. We have three potential absences from the squad as Suttinun Phukhom is suspended and two other players are injured."

Despite admitting he was previously not too familiar with their Uzbekistan opponents, Withaya was confident there were enough weaknesses in the Nasaf side for the Thais to exploit.

"I had no idea about Nasaf's style of play despite the fact that we had a lot of information about the Uzbek side," he added.

"We discovered the real power of Nasaf only during the course of the match. Meanwhile, we have studied enough about Nasaf's weak points. Therefore my team will play an offensive game tomorrow."

Withaya also hopes new signing Anthony Esparza can potentially make an immediate impact if the French striker is in good enough condition to start the game.

"I hope our new French signing Anthony Esparza will be fit enough to participate in tomorrow's match," Withaya said.