Ruslan Mingazov (L) of Kitchee SC vies with Nitipong Selanon of Bangkok United FC during the Group F match between Kitchee SC of China's Hong Kong and Bangkok United FC of Thailand at the 2023-2024 AFC Champions League in Hong Kong, south China, Oct. 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)
HONG KONG, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong Premier League side Kitchee SC suffered another setback in the AFC Champions League as they fumbled a 1-0 lead to be overturned by Thailand's Bangkok United 2-1 in a Group F fixture here on Wednesday.
Kitchee had conceded back-to-back 2-1 defeats to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Lion City Sailors in the previous two rounds, while Bangkok United managed two wins out of two before Wednesday.
The home side tipped the balance of the tie just seven minutes into the game as Bangkok United's goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai mistimed his rushing. Jakob Jantscher tapped it in from a close range.
Bangkok United was dealt another blow in the 21st minute when Thitipan Puangchan was stretchered off, making way for Bassel Jradi.
However, the away side got back on level terms before the break when Mahmoud Eid rolled across from the left for Rungrath Phumichantuk to fire home undisturbed.
Bangkok United turned around the game four minutes into the second half, as Willen Mota stepped in to convert a penalty.
The Thai side was reduced to 10 men in the 84th minute when Jradi was sent off after the referee checked the VAR. Despite waves of attacking in the closing moments, Kitchee failed to prevent the home defeat.
Elsewhere in Group F, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors crushed Lion City Sailors 3-0. ■
Burkett Mikael Severo (top L) of Kitchee SC vies with Everton Goncalves Saturmino (bottom) of Bangkok United FC during the Group F match between Kitchee SC of China's Hong Kong and Bangkok United FC of Thailand at the 2023-2024 AFC Champions League in Hong Kong, south China, Oct. 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)
Cleiton (front L) of Kitchee SC vies with Peerapat Notechaiya of Bangkok United FC during the Group F match between Kitchee SC of China's Hong Kong and Bangkok United FC of Thailand at the 2023-2024 AFC Champions League in Hong Kong, south China, Oct. 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)
Oliver Gerbig (R) of Kitchee SC vies with Willen Mota Inacio of Bangkok United FC during the Group F match between Kitchee SC of China's Hong Kong and Bangkok United FC of Thailand at the 2023-2024 AFC Champions League in Hong Kong, south China, Oct. 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)
Fernando (L) of Kitchee SC vies with Rungrat Phumichantuk of Bangkok United FC during the Group F match between Kitchee SC of China's Hong Kong and Bangkok United FC of Thailand at the 2023-2024 AFC Champions League in Hong Kong, south China, Oct. 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)
