Chainat pulled off a 3-2 upset victory over sixth-ranked Trat to heap more pressure on struggling former Thai League 1 champions SCG Muang Thong United, who have been linked to a takeover by the Middle East owners of English Premier League champions Manchester City.
Chainat’s home win last night pushed the Kirins back in the three-team relegation zone.
The hosts played with 10 men for almost half an hour after goalkeeper Teerat Nakchamnarn was sent off early in the second half for elbowing Lonsana Doumbouya.
However, goals from Jaturapat Sattham, Chatchai Kumphaya and Ricardo Santos proved enough to see them through. Trat broke the duck in the 70th minute when Durousinmi scored and had another through Doumbouya in the last minute.
Muang Thong, back in social media spotlight after reports of a takeover deal with the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan-owned Manchester City, need a victory in their home game tonight with No.2-ranked True Bangkok United.
The Thai media last night claimed that Muang Thong officials shied away from denying the reports.
Team director Ronnarit Suewaja said: “It is normal for a world-class club like Manchester City with an international presence to expand into the Thai market.
“Whether it will be Muang Thong United or some other team, you will have to wait to find out.”
The Kirins unveiled two new players on Friday, carrying their mid-season signings to five. They also enlisted experienced Brazilian Alexandre Gama as their new coach recently.
After spending most of the season in the relegation zone, Muang Thong had dragged themselves to safer ground only last week.
It was a night of upsets in the top flight as red zone-dwellers Chiangmai also recorded a victory, defeating Sukhothai 2-1.
Sukohthai expected a victory at their home ground but Chiangmai picked up two first half goals through Ekanit Panya and Wanmai Setthanan which eventually proved decisive.
Kittikrai Jantaraksa gave Sukhothai some hope with a strike on 64 minutes but the hosts couldn’t break through Chiangmai’s defence in the remaining 30 minutes.
PTT Rayong’s impressive recovery in the league continued with a 3-1 demolition of PT Prachuap in a home game last night.
Dennis Murillo opened the account for the home team, who also saw Victor Cardozo convert a 45th-minute penalty and talented Apiwat Pengprakon find the net 10 minutes from time.
Prachuap’s only goal of the night was scored by Artyom Filiposyan in the 72nd minute.
Leaders Buriram United, meanwhile, host Suphanburi today.