The home side dominated the opening exchanges and arguably produced their most impressive football of the season so far. However, the notoriously difficult playing surface at the Surakul Stadium, coupled with a sense of urgency that often led to rushed decisions, prevented them from capitalising on their early dominance.
The “Lobsters” created numerous opportunities in the first half, with the forward pairing of Torky and Bebe causing problems with their interchanging movement and link-up play with full-backs Ohm and Keng. However, a combination of poor finishing and excellent defending from Yala City kept the score goalless. Torky and striker Bank were particularly culpable, spurning golden opportunities to put the game beyond doubt.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 16th minute through a well-worked set piece. Keng delivered a pinpoint free-kick into the box, and centre-back Mark rose highest to power a header past the helpless Yala City goalkeeper.
Despite their lack of attacking threat in the first half-hour – Yala City did not register a shot on target until the 30th minute – the visitors posed a constant threat down the left flank through the lively Sufiya. The number 11 frequently caught full-back Ohm out of position, but unfortunately for Yala City, he lacked the support to truly capitalise on these situations. It’s worth noting that this young Yala City side, featuring no foreign players and seven U23 players in their starting line-up, are clearly a team on the rise and deserve credit for their performance.
The second half saw a shift in momentum as Yala City made two substitutions at the break and adjusted their tactics. They applied increased pressure on the Phuket midfield, making for a much more even contest. While Phuket still had chances to extend their lead, with Bank again guilty of missing several good opportunities, Yala City grew in confidence and began to threaten the Phuket goal.
The introduction of midfielder Not injected some much-needed energy into the Phuket midfield, and he almost created a second goal with a defence-splitting pass that sent Bank through on goal. However, the chance went begging, and the game became increasingly fractious. A series of niggly fouls and growing frustration amongst the players culminated in the Yala City captain receiving his marching orders late in the match. This, unfortunately, led to the referee requiring a police escort off the pitch for the third time this season, a worrying trend that needs addressing.
In the dying moments, Yala City almost snatched a dramatic equaliser, but Bee produced a superb save to deny them.
Despite the nervy finish, this victory is a welcome one for Coach Tum, who remains unbeaten in his first three games in charge. However, there are still areas for improvement. Striker Bank needs to improve his decision-making in the final third, while winger Torky, despite his obvious talent, perhaps lacks the pace to be truly effective out wide. A move to a central midfield role might allow him to dictate the tempo of the game more effectively. The team as a whole also needs to improve their ability to switch the play and exploit space on the opposite flank.
The result sees PAFC positioned 10th in the 12-team league after 3 losses, 2 draws and 2 wins from their 7 games.
Man of the Match: 77 - ‘Bebe’ Coulibary. The Ivorian winger was a constant menace with his dynamic performance. Almost every positive attacking move flowed through the diminutive player. One astute observer in the stands aptly described him as a “Kante-esque rabbit,” a moniker that perfectly captures his energetic and tenacious style. Phuket will be hoping that his impending ban for a previous red card is delayed until after their crucial upcoming fixture against league leaders Songkhla.
Looking Ahead:
Next up for Phuket Andaman FC is arguably their toughest test of the season – an away trip to Songkhla. The league leaders were fortunate to secure a win against Ranong yesterday, but they will nonetheless present a formidable challenge. With three of their remaining four games against teams below them in the table, Phuket will be looking to consolidate their position and build momentum for the second leg of the season starting in January. The game in next Sunday, kick-off 5:30pm.
PAFC Formation: 4-2-3-1.
PAFC Line Up:
99 - ‘Bee’ Anawin (GK)
66 - ‘Keng’ Patapee
4 - ‘Bass’ Akkharadech
3 - ‘Mark’ Rungsak (Goal 16”)
79 - ‘Ohm’ Athagorn
27 - ‘Min’ Kittinan
55 - ‘Kla’ Patapee
11 - ‘Torky’Abdelrahman
8 - ‘Petch’ Chinnatan
77 - ‘Bebe’ Coulibary (MOTM)
9 - ‘Bank’ Sarod
Substitutes:
46 - ‘Pang’ Mumadirfan
7 - ‘Rahman’ Abdelrahman (on for 11 52”)
26 - ‘Preuk’ Kitipat
6 - ‘Not’ Kanin (on for 78”)
21 - ‘Ball’ Muhammad
18 - ‘Prem’ Saekoy (on for 8 52”)
25 - ‘Chao Pan’Kwanchai
29 - ‘Pong’ Pokpong
17 - ‘Game’ Satawat (on for 77 89”)
41 - ‘Phum’’ Sathaporn
47 – Wuttichai.