Pratama Arhan's Assist Helps Bangkok United Salvage Draw, Sydney FC Coach Disappointed

Bangkok United kept their hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals of the 2024-25 AFC Champions League alive after drawing 2-2 against Sydney FC in the first leg of the Round of 16 on Wednesday, February 12, at Allianz Stadium.

The visitors initially took the lead with a penalty from Richairo Zivkovic in the 50th minute. However, Sydney FC managed to turn the game around with a brace from Adrian Segecic in the 60th and 78th minutes. Just as the match was nearing its end, the situation changed.

Pratama Arhan, the Indonesian national team player, started the match on the bench and was brought on in the 85th minute to replace Peerapat Notechaiya. Arhan then provided the assist for Thitiphan Pungjan to score an equalizer during injury time.

Sydney FC coach Ufuk Talay expressed disappointment over his team's failure to maintain their lead. Nevertheless, Talay remains confident that his side can still progress to the next round.

“We missed several opportunities in the first half. They had a transition moment where they got the penalty and scored. But I think the players worked hard to get back into the game. It’s disappointing to concede a goal in the final minutes like that and end up with a 2-2 draw,” said Talay.

“We know there is still the second leg, and we’re in a good position for that. We’ll prepare our game plan for the next leg and hopefully, we’ll get the result we need.”

The draw gives Bangkok United a slight advantage as they will host the second leg at Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani on Wednesday, February 19.