Fadhil Yunus
Former DPMM FC defender Charlie Clough’s new side Nakhon Ratchasima FC will meet Uthai Thani FC in the quarterfinals of the Thai FA Cup 2021/2022 at the Uthai Thani Province Stadium in Thailand on February 16.
The cup giant-killers stunned the Thai League 1 outfit Muangthong United in another upset following a 2-1 victory in the third round at the Thunder Dome Stadium in midweek.
Uthai Thani, who play in the country’s third tier, have previously eliminated the four-time league winners from the Thai League Cup when the two sides last met earlier in the season.
Since learning of probable opponents during a draw ceremony on January 25, the identity of all eight teams have now been revealed amid the conclusion of the remaining third round ties.
Last season’s Thai league champions BG Pathum United and current league leaders Buriram United are the strong teams still left in the competition. Also in the hat are Songkhla, Suphanburi, BEC Tero Sasana and Nongbua Pitchaya – who was awarded a spot following Lamphun Warrior’s forfeiture due to power failure.
Clough’s current side will look to return to winning ways in their next league encounter against Suphanburi tomorrow at the Suphan Buri Provincial Stadium.
The defender is expected to miss the match through suspension following a red card in the previous clash against Prachuap FC.
Since joining the Swat Cats during the recent transfer window, the former DPMM FC man has helped his new employers pick up two clean sheets in the league against BEC Tero Sasana and Chiangrai United.
Clough, who was brought in to bolster the squad in the second leg of the season, will also set his sights on a deep cup run amid the desire to add to his trophy collection in Southeast Asia.
The Englishman’s progress in Thailand will not be the only one attracting interest among the Brunei football community, with Faiq Jefri Bolkiah making a mark with Thai top flight club Chonburi FC.
