Thai Premier League champions Buriram United got off to an impressive start with a 2-0 home win against Port MTI last night.
Gilberto Macena, centre, scored twice for Buriram United.
Brazilian forward Gilberto Macena, who is on loan from China’s Hangzhou Greentown, scored both goals for the Thunder Castle.
Macena opened the scoring after 39 minutes after he received a pass from compatriot Diogo Santo.
Macena then lobbed Port goalkeeper Worawut Kaewpook for the second goal just before half-time.
It was a valuable lesson for Muang Thai Insurance chief Nuanphan Lamsam, who is now CEO of Port after a joint venture agreement.
League Cup champions BEC Tero Sasana could only manage a 1-1 draw against Chiang Rai United.
BEC Tero looked set to seal the three points when Jaturong Pimkool scored after 81 minutes but Japanese Kazuki Murakami stunned the hosts in injury time.
Ratchaburi beat TOT 1-0 with Rattana Petcharporn scoring the winner.
In yesterday’s last match, Army ..................
Nakhon Ratchasima forward Dominic Adiyiah.
Earlier yesterday, Buriram United announced that they had joined forces with Yamaha to make the club’s academy stronger.
Established five years ago, the academy has produced several players for the team.
Club chairman Newin Chidchob said the academy will hold trials for young players from Feb 25-March 4.
“Children who want to become professional footballers should take part in the trials,’’ said Newin.
In today’s action, newcomers Nakhon Ratchasima will host SCG Muang Thong United.
Nakhon Ratchasima will feature new signing Dominic Adiyiah from Ghana.
The forward won the U20 World Cup in 2009 and became well-known at the 2010 World Cup.
In Ghana’s quarter-final against Uruguay, Adiyiah’s header was saved on the line by Luis Suarez, who palmed the ball away with his hands, resulting in a penalty kick for Ghana and Suarez being sent off.
However, Asamoah Gyan missed from the spot as Uruguay went on to win in a penalty shoot-out.