Buriram United FC began their defence of the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup with a 0-0 draw against Borneo FC Samarinda at Buriram Stadium on Wednesday, despite dominating large periods of the match.
The Thai League 1 champions, who have won the Shopee Cup in each of the previous two editions, created several opportunities but could not find a way past Borneo goalkeeper Kadu. Their task became more difficult late in the match when Narubadin Weerawatnodom was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Buriram controlled much of the possession and territory but struggled to turn their attacking pressure into a decisive finish. Borneo, meanwhile, remained disciplined and produced enough chances of their own to keep the home side from taking control of the contest.
The Indonesian visitors created the first notable opening in the 18th minute when Asgal Habib attempted to beat Chatchai Bootprom from distance. The Buriram goalkeeper moved across to his left and collected the under-hit effort without difficulty.
Buriram responded shortly afterwards through Wanderson Caju. Antonio Moya’s sweeping pass from the opposite flank found the Brazilian in space on the left side of the penalty area, but his volley sailed over the crossbar.
Wanderson had another opportunity 10 minutes before half-time after Paulinho released him into space. The winger struck a first-time effort across the face of goal, but again failed to trouble Kadu.
Paulinho then came close to breaking the deadlock himself when his free-kick was gathered by the Borneo goalkeeper as Buriram continued to apply pressure before the interval.
The home side came agonisingly close to taking the lead two minutes after the restart. Paulinho connected with a first-time left-footed strike that beat Kadu, only for the ball to hit one post, travel across the goal line and rebound off the opposite post before staying out.
Borneo responded with one of their best chances in the 64th minute. Kablan N’Goma cut inside from the right and bent a left-footed attempt towards goal, forcing Chatchai into a full-stretch save.
The Buriram goalkeeper could not hold the initial effort, but the hosts were spared when the rebound struck Rubio’s shins and bounced back into Chatchai’s hands.
Buriram continued to search for a winner as the match entered its final stages. Guilherme Bissoli sent one attempt over the bar, while Eduardo Mancha tested Kadu with a low drive from distance.
Mancha came close again in the 80th minute when he met a cross with a header, but Borneo defender Ikhsan Zikrak intervened to clear the ball before it could reach the goal.
The champions were reduced to 10 men in the closing moments when Narubadin, already booked earlier in the match, pulled Hugo Samir’s shirt and received a second yellow card.
Despite playing a man down, Buriram held their shape and saw out the remaining minutes without conceding. The result leaves both sides with a point from their opening Group A fixture, while Buriram will be left to consider the missed chances that prevented them from beginning their title defence with a victory.
Bissoli was named the Shopee Star of the Match for his contribution as Buriram were held to a goalless draw on home soil. – Sarawak Daily
