Paulo immense as ten man Kitchee hold on for a point- Bangkok away review

Article by Adam O'Domhnaill

Team news

Photo by Edmund

Kitchee made one change from Sunday's cup win over RCFC, with regular goalkeeper Paulo Cesar taking back his starting spot from Wang Zhenpeng. Despite travelling to Thailand Juninho did not make the final squad, but there was a first ACL appearance for Kitchee for Kim Shin-Wook, following his two goal cameo at the weekend. Tan Chun Lok remained on the bench as Kim Dong-Jin opted to put most of his permitted foreign players on the pitch from the start. Nearly a hundred Kitchee fans made the trip to Bangkok, hoping that Kitchee could get a result after an underwhelming continental campaign so far.

Photo by Kitchee

Paulo; TC Law (Roberto 71), Russell, Helio (c), Shinichi; Poon, Scott (Kim 55), Cleiton (Tan Chun Lok 87), Mingazow (Fernando 46); Jantscher, Mikael.

Highlights

Bangkok United were looking to extend their 100% record in the ACL this season, and had the first clearcut chance, with Everton heading wide from a corner. As the half went on both sides were evenly matched on the ball, with Bangkok having the better chances. Willen Mota scored from long range after twenty six minutes; his strike from thirty five yards out bounced awkwardly in front of Paulo and evaded his despairing dive. 1-0 down at half time, but Kitchee were still in it. 

Photo by Kitchee

Half time saw Mingazow subbed off for Fernando, and Paulo denied Bangkok early on. Everton was solid defensively for Bangkok, thwarting Kitchee's attacks before any attempts could be made on goal. Kim Shin-Wook made his long-awaited Kitchee ACL debut, replacing Charlie Scott as Coach Kim looked to switch it up. Bangkok's attacking was relentless, and Kitchee were almost the architects of their own downfall; a poor pass from Helio and a slip from Andy Russell saw Willen Mota presented with a chance to double the lead, but another big save from Paulo denied him.

A Kitchee counterattack saw Poon fouled, and from the resulting freekick Jantscher went close. Bangkok were then awarded a penalty when a cross was adjudged to have struck Poon on the arm. VAR upheld the decision, despite replays appearing to show it hitting his chest. Thankfully for Kitchee, Paulo produced a massive save. Another Bangkok chance followed, but the score remained 1-0 with twenty minutes to go.

Photo by Kitchee

Having created very few chances, Kitchee equalised. A great ball in from Fernando was met with a fantastic first time finish from Jantscher, his third goal of the ACL campaign. Poon Pui Hin was then sent off in farcical circumstances, leaving Kitchee with a massive task to stay level. A tussle with the full back saw the young winger fall to the ground and as he rolled over his boot was judged to have made contact with the Bangkok left back. Despite a VAR review, the decision stood.

Photo by Richard

The last twenty minutes were almost all Bangkok. Helio made a great recovery tackle, before Bangkok substitute Wanchai went close. A rare chance for Kitchee saw Wookie head straight into the keepers arms, ducking low to meet Fernando's cross. More chances came and went for Bangkok, as the Kitchee defence somehow held firm, aided by some wayward shooting. A well-earned point, and Kitchee's first ever away from home in the ACL (the 2021 and 2022 campaigns being wholly played in Thailand)

Fans feedback

Photo by Tony 

Kitchee can be pleased with the point, and the end to a run of three successive 2-1 defeats in the competition. A solid rear guard, even more so when down to ten men. Paulo made many great saves when called upon, including an ultimately vital penalty save, his third of the season. But too often Kitchee were sloppy on the ball, and Helio and Russell's lack of pace was exploited in the second half. Kitchee were also helped by some wayward finishing from Bangkok United.

Photo by Kitchee

Jantscher has been a quality addition to the squad, scoring three in four in the Champions League. If Onazi had not started the opening two games, and Jantscher had started against Lion City, how many points could Kitchee have won?

Kim Shin-Wook only touched the ball six times and missed a close-range header late on. But his cameo started with a good impact, giving Kitchee an aerial threat from set pieces. He needs to get the ball more- he is not a Dejan style striker who will drop deep. He needs regular crosses into the box, and would have offered Kitchee a focal point in the opening three ACL games if fit, even if from the bench. Fernando came off the bench to get an assist again, and delivered some good balls in. Having adapted to playing left back in the last year or so, his most recent appearances have come as a substitute on the left wing.

What's next

Photo by Dickson

Kitchee next play Lee Man twice in two weeks, the first being the Senior Shield semifinal. Hope to see you at Mong Kok Stadium at 3pm on Sunday as the season continues.

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