Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
Buriram United
Cong An Hanoi
On Wednesday, May 21, the decisive final of the ASEAN Club Championship awaits us, with Buriram United hosting Kongan on their home turf. Kick-off is scheduled for 14:30 Central European Time, and I’m offering my pick for this high-stakes clash.
Buriram United vs. Kongan: Match facts and head-to-head record
- The first encounter between these teams ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
- Buriram United are unbeaten in their last seven matches: five wins and two draws.
- Kongan are also in excellent form, riding an eight-match unbeaten streak: five wins and three draws.
- Buriram United boast the tournament's best defense, conceding just five goals.
- Kongan possess the most lethal attack in the ASEAN Club Championship with 19 goals, while Buriram United have the second-best offensive record with 18 goals.
- Buriram United have scored at least once in each of their last seven home games.
- The sides have met twice: one draw and one win for Kongan, who prevailed 2-1.
Buriram United vs. Kongan: Match preview
Buriram United confidently navigated the group stage, collecting ten points from five matches—enough to secure a playoff spot. However, they finished second in their group, trailing the leaders by five points. In the semifinals, Buriram faced Group A winners Pathum United. The Thai side clinched a 3-1 victory in the first leg and then held on for a goalless draw at home in the return fixture.
Kongan topped Group B, finishing five points clear of Buriram. In the semifinals, they faced PSM Makassar. The first leg brought an unexpected 0-1 defeat for Kongan, but they quickly turned things around on home soil, scoring twice early in the second half to seal their place in the final. Notably, Kongan have the most prolific attack in the tournament, netting 19 times.
The first leg of the final, played in Vietnam, ended in a hard-fought 2-2 draw. Kongan took the lead twice—opening the scoring in the 18th minute, then regaining the lead before halftime after Buriram had equalized. The Thai side managed to rescue a draw late in the match, setting up a dramatic decider.
Probable lineups
- Buriram United: Budprom, Goode, Haiprakon, Hemviboon, Kuls, Go, Lucas Crispim, Zulj, Bunmathan, Bissoli, Chaided
Prediction
The ASEAN Club Championship final is the most important match of the season for both teams. The first leg ended 2-2, but now Buriram have home advantage and are considered favorites. I believe the hosts have every chance to lift the trophy, so I’m backing Buriram United’s individual total over 2 goals at odds of 1.74.
