SINGAPORE (7 February 2025) – Buriram United FC claimed the fourth and final berth in the semi-finals of the inaugural ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™ on Thursday as the Thai League One champions handed Kuala Lumpur City FC a 1-0 defeat to complete the line-up for the knockout rounds.
Lucas Crispim’s first half strike ensured Osmar Loss’ side took second spot in Group B behind Công An Hà Nội FC, who completed the group phase with a perfect record after a 3-2 win over Borneo FC Samarinda, and the pair join BG Pathum United FC and PSM Makassar in April’s semi-finals.
Buriram United will take on BG Pathum United in an all-Thai League One clash while Công An Hà Nội will face Indonesia’s PSM over two legs in the next round. The first game will be played on April 2 with the return on April 30.
Buriram United went into Thursday’s encounter at the Thunder Castle in second place in the group, one point ahead of Kuala Lumpur City and knowing victory over the Malaysians would secure their ticket for the knockout rounds alongside already qualified Công An Hà Nội .
It took until the 37th minute for Loss’ team to take the lead, Supachai Chaided feeding Theerathon Bunmathan on the left and the Buriram United captain, celebrating his 35th birthday, played his pass towards the penalty spot from where Crispim coolly slotted home.
The Brazilian’s goal was enough to earn Buriram United their third win of the campaign as the Thais bounced back from a losing start to the competition against Công An Hà Nội back in August to progress.
Công An Hà Nội, meanwhile, claimed a fifth consecutive win in the group phase to finish five points clear at the top of the Group B standings.
The Vietnamese took the lead in the 20th minute when Le Van Do hit an unstoppable left-foot shot from 20 yards into the top corner, but Habibi Jusuf levelled for Borneo FC in first half stoppage time when he made the most of a Công An Hà Nội defensive error.
Nguyen Dinh Bac put the hosts ahead again with nine minutes remaining as he curled his effort home only for Gavin Kwan to equalise five minutes later. However, a 91st minute penalty from Leo Artur sealed the win for Mano Polking’s team.
Kaya FC-Iloilo finished their Shopee Cup™ campaign with their first victory as second-half goals from Lucas del Rosario and Jesus Melliza earned the side from the Philippines a 2-0 victory over Singapore’s Lion City Sailors FC.
Today’s Shopee Stars of the Match are:
Kaya FC-Iloilo v Lion City Sailors FC – Kaishu Yamazaki (#88), Kaya FC Iloilo
Công An Hà Nội FC v Borneo FC Samarinda – N Dinh Bac (#7) Công An Hà Nội FC
Buriram United FC v Kuala Lumpur City FC – Lucas Crispim (#10), Buriram United FC
The Shopee Cup season 2025/26 semi-finals are as follows:
1st Leg: 2 April 2025
PSM Makassar v Công An Hà Nôi FC
Buriram United FC v BG Pathum United FC
2nd Leg: 30 April 2025
Công An Hà Nôi FC v PSM Makassar
BG Pathum United FC v Buriram United FC
Kick-off times and venues are will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Stay up to date on the Shopee Cup at https://aseanutdfc.com/ and @aseanutdfc on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and X.
