AFC Champions League: Chiangrai Deals Blow to Melbourne's Qualification Hopes

Doha, November 30 (QNA) - Melbourne Victory drew 2-2 with Chiangrai United in Group E of AFC Champions League, currently hosted by Doha. Melbourne Victory got off to a flying start and within eight minutes Jake Brimmer had found his way into the opposition box and was brought down by goalkeeper Apirak Worawong. Brimmer stepped up to take the penalty himself and duly converted, putting his team in front. The Australian side doubled their lead in the 27th minute when Ben Folami latched onto a long pass from Jacob Butterfield, lobbing the goalkeeper with a quality first-touch finish from inside the box. The official website of AFC said that Chiangrai United started the second half on the front foot and within two minutes they had halved the deficit. Playmaker Siwakorn Tiatrakul whipped a cross from the right flank that evaded everyone inside the box and goalkeeper Matthew Acton misjudged the flight of the ball, watching it nestle in the back of his net. With just nine minutes to go, Melbourne Victory thought they had scored against the run of play when Luis Lawrie-Lattanzio sent youngster Birkan Kirdar through on goal with a sublime through pass, but goalkeeper Worawong was quick off his line and smothered the substitute’s shot. Instead it was Chiangrai United who immediately picked up the counter attack and delivered at the other end. Tiatrakul showed his creativity to supply Chotipat Poomkeaw down the right and the number 13 whipped in a low cross for fellow substitute Gionata Verzura who swept home the equalizer. (QNA)