CHIANG RAI – Prime Bangkok produced one of the standout stories of the Thai FA Cup, edging Chiangrai United 3-2 on 14 January 2026. The Thai League 3 side stayed sharp from first whistle to last, riding their pace on the break and taking their chances.
With supporters from both clubs in fine voice at a neutral venue, the match had a bit of everything: quick goals, big moments, and late pressure.
Chiangrai United came in as the Thai League 1 team with the higher profile, but Prime Bangkok played with confidence and purpose. The win books Prime Bangkok a place in the next round and underlines why cup football keeps pulling people in, it can turn expectations on their head in a single night.
Match Highlights: Early Strike, Second-Half Surge
Prime Bangkok started brightly and got the reward in the 12th minute. A rapid counter-attack opened space, and their forward finished from close range for 1-0.
Chiangrai United settled and hit back in the 28th minute. Brazilian striker Carlos Iury rose well to meet a right-wing delivery, guiding a header in to level the score at 1-1. The teams went into the break tied, but the second half lifted the tempo again.
Prime Bangkok moved in front in the 55th minute with a long-range effort from midfield that caught the goalkeeper out, making it 2-1. The underdogs then struck again in the 72nd minute. A neat passing move ended with the captain applying the finish, pushing the score to 3-1.
Chiangrai United still had a response. Captain Gionata Verzura fired in from outside the area in the 81st minute, cutting the gap to 3-2 and setting up a nervy finish. Chiangrai pressed hard, including a close chance in stoppage time, but Prime Bangkok held their shape and saw the match out.
Both teams created plenty, but Prime Bangkok’s quick transitions and smart defending made the difference against Chiangrai’s possession-heavy approach.
Chiangrai United Team Overview
Chiangrai United, known as the “Beetles”, named a strong side for the cup tie. These players stood out on the night:
| Position | Player Name | Nationality | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Farus Patee | Thai | Made several key saves |
| DF | Victor Cardozo | Brazilian | Steady defending |
| DF | Hélio Batista | Brazilian | Organised the back line |
| MF | Dudu | Brazilian | Added creativity in midfield |
| MF | Gionata Verzura (C) | Thai | Scored late to spark hope |
| MF | Settasit Suvannaseat | Thai | Worked hard throughout |
| FW | Carlos Iury | Brazilian | Scored and stayed dangerous |
| FW | Lee Seung-won | Korean | Offered direct runs forward |
Chiangrai’s mix of experienced Thai players and overseas quality showed at times, but mistakes at the back proved expensive.
Prime Bangkok Team Overview
Prime Bangkok leaned on togetherness, quick breaks, and calm finishing. Their line-up featured several rising players ready for bigger tests:
| Position | Player Name | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Local keeper (unnamed) | Brave saves at key moments |
| DF | Defensive unit | Stood firm during late pressure |
| MF | Midfield maestro | Scored the long-range effort |
| MF | Captain | Led the side and finished the third |
| FW | Young forward | Opened the scoring early |
| Bench | Impact substitutes | Helped keep the tempo and energy up |
The result puts a spotlight on Prime Bangkok’s promise, with hunger and belief carrying them past more fancied opponents.
Post-Match Reaction
Prime Bangkok’s coach praised the group’s “heart and belief”, calling it “a historic day for the club”. Chiangrai United’s manager admitted the result hurt, but pointed to the late push and said the team has to “learn quickly” with Thai League 1 matches ahead.
For supporters, it went down as a proper Thai FA Cup upset, and a reminder that favourites still have to earn it on the pitch. Prime Bangkok has moved on, and the rest of the competition has been warned.
