Sukhothai downed by Shanghai SIPG in ACL playoff

Up against a star-studded Shanghai side led by Brazil international duo, Hulk and Oscar, the odds were heavily stacked against the “Fire Bat”, who thumped Myanmar Yadanarbon FC 5-0 at home in the preliminary round.  

Even though the Thai side proved more than a match for the Chinese hosts in the opening half hour, the result was never in doubt once ex-Chelsea midfielder Oscar opened his account for the new employers in his first competitive start in the 34th minute.

Slack marking in Sukhothai’s penalty box then allowed Oscar’s compatriot, Elkeson, to double the home team’s advantage with a back-heeled effort five minutes later before an own goal by Kiattisak Toopkhuntod just before an hour mark sealed the visitors’ fate.

Sukhothai’s exit meant Buriram United remained the only Thai side to go through the playoffs to reach the lucrative group stage of the continent’s elite club competition when they beat Australia’s Brisbane Roar on penalties in 2013.