ACC: Defending Champions Buriram United Secure Slim Advantage Over Selangor FC

PETALING JAYA, May 20 (Bernama) -- Defending champions Buriram United from Thailand takes a slim advantage back home after defeating Selangor FC 1-0 in the first leg of the 2025-2026 ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) final at the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Stadium here tonight.

Buriram United tested the hosts' defence as early as the sixth minute, but Suphanat Mueanta failed to capitalise on a golden opportunity when his right-footed shot went wide in a one-on-one situation against Selangor goalkeeper Sikh Izhan Nazrel Sikh Azman.

The visitors continued to threaten with a powerful strike from Kingsley Schindler in the 10th minute, but his attempt went slightly wide of the left post.

Buriram United finally broke the deadlock in the 24th minute when Suphanat smartly found space to head home a cross from Theerathon Bunmathan, putting the team ahead.

The squad under Mark Jackson's tutelage came close to doubling their lead during first-half stoppage time, but Suphanat’s close-range effort was successfully saved by Sikh Izhan.

As the second half resumed, the Red Giants increased their attacking intensity in a bid to find an equaliser, but several attempts failed to hit the target.

The best chance for the home side, managed by South Korean coach Kim Pan-gon, arrived in the 67th minute through Noor Al-Rawabdeh, but his tap-in only managed to rattle the goalpost.

With about 10 minutes of play remaining, Pan-gon made three substitutions, including bringing on Muhammad Syahir Bashah and Muhammad Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi to hunt for an equaliser, but the tactical move failed to yield results.

The 1-0 scoreline remained until the final whistle, giving Buriram United the upper hand in their mission to defend the title ahead of the return leg at the Buriram Stadium next Wednesday.

-- BERNAMA