‘Thai Messi’ spoils CAHN’s celebration

21/08/2025 07:50:00 TrophyTracker

Anyone who witnessed the battle between the two football representatives from Thailand and Vietnam on the night of August 20 would have to tip their hat to the class of Thai superstar Chanathip Songkrasin. The caliber of the player nicknamed “Thai Messi” was evident in a match where the home side seemed certain to lose.

Vietnam’s representative couldn’t fully celebrate in their opening match of the region’s top club tournament, even though they had a man advantage for more than a half. Chanathip Songkrasin turned hero for the hosts by scoring the equalizer in a match where many believed CAHN would surely earn at least a point.

CAHN performed better even at BG Pathum United’s home ground. Coach Alexandre Polking established a well-coordinated playing style for his team based on a solid foundation. The CAHN attack was especially effective thanks to the dynamic partnership between close friends Alan and Artur, whose understanding was the catalyst for the opening goal. Alan broke the offside trap by darting across the home defense to receive Artur’s perfect through ball and scored the opener.

However, it was unfortunate for CAHN as that was the only real opportunity Vietnam’s representative could capitalize on in this match. Goalkeeper Slavisa Bogdanovic then continuously denied the visitors’ efforts. Alan, Van Do, and Artur were all stopped by the incredible saves of the 32-year-old keeper, who played for a top Saudi Arabian club last season. The 1993-born goalkeeper not only had superb reflexes but also impressive footwork. That was a key factor in BG Pathum United withstanding the pressure from CAHN last night.

Coach Polking enabled CAHN to dictate the game on the opponent’s field. BG Pathum United appeared to have an equalizer near the end of the first half, but Lopez was caught offside by CAHN’s well-planned trap. Further misfortune struck the home side when Mathues received a red card for a foul on Viet Anh. CAHN’s center-back also had to leave after the first half for hospital treatment for a head wound. Dinh Trong, who replaced him, didn’t perform any better than his predecessor.

Chanathip’s brace brought an unbelievable victory for BG Pathum United. Photo: ASEAN United

The turning point of the match came early in the second half, when Chanathip entered the field. The midfielder nicknamed “Thai Messi” led the hosts through adversity in a way few expected. Chanathip delivered a performance that thrilled the home supporters. In just 13 minutes, the Thai football star scored an easy equalizer. He linked up with Wongporn in an attack involving just two players, then expertly dribbled past Adou Minh before firing past Nguyen Filip.

Late in the game, as CAHN were desperately seeking a second goal but couldn’t find it, Chanathip shined once again. Nguyen Filip’s poor clearance sent the ball straight to the talented home midfielder. Chanathip sent BG Pathum United fans into a frenzy with a brilliant lob from nearly 50 meters, leaving Nguyen Filip helpless to prevent the goal. That occurred in the final moments of stoppage time, giving the home crowd every reason to idolize their nation’s biggest football star.

“Thai Messi” was the biggest difference in the win over CAHN. Vietnam’s representative paid the price for squandering opportunities, with nearly 20 shots but only beating goalkeeper Slavisa Bogdanovic once. In contrast, Thai Messi needed just two shots for maximum effect, securing victory for BG Pathum United. It was even more meaningful as “Thai Messi” scored twice to help his team come from behind in the tournament opener at home, giving local fans an emotional win despite playing a man down for more than half the match.

Players like Quang Hai, Thanh Long, Dinh Bac, or Nguyen Filip may remember this painful defeat for a very long time. Chanathip Songkrasin “spoiled CAHN’s celebration” with moments of genius, but this also serves as a reminder for coach Polking and his squad. It will motivate many of Polking’s players to reflect and work harder to reach new heights for the club.

Losing the opening match in what can be considered the “group of death” will make CAHN’s quest for a semifinal spot much harder. Coach Polking’s men still have to face an even stronger club than BG Pathum United—Buriram United. CAHN will be under enormous pressure in the upcoming matches and will have few chances left if they keep making mistakes.

Comment (0)