SINGAPORE (22 January 2025) – The battle for the semi-final berths from Group A in the inaugural ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™ will go down to the wire after PSM Makassar lost 1-0 to hosts Terengganu FC on Wednesday, denying the Indonesians the opportunity to confirm their progress to the knockout rounds.
A 65th minute penalty by Safawi Rasid earned the Malaysian club a win that hauls Badrul Razali’s side into second in the standings on seven points, one behind new Group A leaders BG Pathum United FC as PSM Makassar dropped to third on goal difference with one round remaining.
BG Pathum United came from behind to notch up a 4-1 win over Shan United FC in Yangon and Surachai Jatturapattarapong’s team will host Terengganu in the teams’ last remaining group match on February 5.
Đông Á Thanh Hóa FC, meanwhile, were held to a 0-0 draw by Cambodia’s Svay Rieng in Phnom Penh and the Vietnamese, who are now fourth on six points, will travel to play PSM Makassar in two weeks’ time in a pivotal clash where victory for either side would see them advance.
PSM Makassar went into their match knowing victory would secure passage to the semi-finals with one round remaining, but Terengganu ended those hopes when Safawi was given the opportunity to strike from the penalty spot.
Substitute Ananda Raehan blocked Nurillo Tukhtasinov attempt to cross from the bye-line with his arm and Malaysia international Safawi calmly converted to boost his side’s own qualification prospects.
“It was not an easy game, it was a tough match” said Safawi. “The group is still open and the next game is in Bangkok.”
BG Pathum United, meanwhile, had to fight back from going a goal behind to pick up the win over Shan United that took them to the top of the standings.
Shan United went in front in the 29th minute when Moussa Bakayoko pounced on Kritsada Kaman 40 yards from goal, stealing possession before striding forward to slam a right-foot shot into the bottom corner of Pisan Dokmaikeaw’s goal.
The Thais levelled 18 minutes into the second half when Freddy Alvarez struck from the penalty spot after William Nyakwe had handled inside the area and, 16 minutes later, BG Pathum United were in front.
Gakuto Natsuda released Waris Choolthong down the right and his centre was controlled by Raniel, who slotted into the bottom corner. Nattawut Suksum scored twice deep into added time, both from close range, to put the gloss on a strong performance for the visitors.
Today’s Shopee Stars of the Match are:
Đông Á Thanh Hóa FC v PKR Svay Rieng – Luiz Antônio (#88), Đông Á Thanh Hóa FC
Shan United FC v BG Pathum United FC – Freddy Alvarez (#14), BG Pathum United FC
Terengganu FC v PSM Makassar – Nurillo Tukhtasinov (#10), Terengganu FC
The penultimate round of Group B fixtures will be played on Thursday, with leaders Công An Hà Nội FC playing Kuala Lumpur City FC, Buriram United taking on hosts Lion City Sailors and Borneo FC meeting Kaya FC-Iloilo.
For more information about the Shopee Cup™, please visit https://aseanutdfc.com/ and @aseanutdfc on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and X.
