Nakhon Ratchasima FC and Chiangrai United split the points in Thai League 1 after a 1-1 draw at the 80th Birthday Stadium. The Round 25 matchup in the 2025/26 season started at full speed, with an early home goal and a late first-half reply that set the tone for a tight second period.
Nakhon Ratchasima Mazda FC (the Swatcats) came out sharp and scored within minutes. Still, Chiangrai United stayed calm, grew into the game, and finished the half level. After the break, both teams pushed, but neither could find a winner.
Match Highlights
The key moments came at the start and right before halftime:
- 4th minute: Nakhon Ratchasima took the lead. Yuki Kusano met a smart pass from Hirotaka Mita and tucked the ball home for 1-0. The quick finish gave the Swatcats the perfect start.
- 45+2nd minute; Chiangrai United hit back just before the interval. Itsuki Enomoto scored to make it 1-1, with Settasit Suvannaseat (also listed as S. Suvannaseat) credited with the assist. The equalizer changed the feel of the match heading into halftime.
After that, the game settled into a more cautious rhythm. Nakhon Ratchasima made an early second-half change, with T. Jaihan coming on for S. Thinjom around the 46th minute, as they looked for more energy in midfield. Even with late pressure and added time that stretched to 90+3, both back lines held on.
As a result, Chiangrai United stay steady in the middle of the Thai League 1 table, while Nakhon Ratchasima adds a needed point as they try to pull away from relegation trouble.
Chiangrai United Team Overview
Chiangrai United (The Beetles) lined up with a mix of Thai regulars and overseas talent. Enomoto’s goal saved the day, while players like Sanukran Thinjom helped drive the tempo and link play in the middle.
Chiangrai United Key Players and Squad Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Position | Player Name | Nationality | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Apirak Worawong | Thailand | Solid presence |
| Defender | Gionata Verzura (Captain) | Thailand | Leadership at the back |
| Defender | Victor Cardozo | Brazil | Defensive stability |
| Midfielder | Sanukran Thinjom | Thailand | Key midfield role |
| Midfielder | Settasit Suvannaseat | Thailand | Assisted in the goal |
| Forward | Itsuki Enomoto | Japan | Scored the equalizer |
| Forward | Lee Seung-won | South Korea | Attacking threat |
| Forward | Dudu | Brazil | Creative forward |
Away from home, Chiangrai United showed strong character and kept their recent run of close results going.
Nakhon Ratchasima FC Team Overview
At home, Nakhon Ratchasima leaned on fast breaks and direct attacks, plus danger from dead-ball moments. Kusano’s early goal showed their intent, and Mita played an important role in the build-up.
Nakhon Ratchasima FC Key Players and Squad Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Position | Player Name | Nationality | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Phatcharaphong Prathumma | Thailand | Reliable shot-stopper |
| Defender | Sarawut Inpaen | Thailand | Defensive anchor |
| Midfielder | Hirotaka Mita | Japan | Set up the opener |
| Midfielder | Leon James | Thailand | Midfield control |
| Midfielder | Jork Becerra | Colombia | Energetic presence |
| Forward | Yuki Kusano | Japan | Scored the opening goal |
| Forward | Dennis Murillo | Brazil | Threat up front |
| Forward | Mateus Lima | Brazil | Goal danger |
The Swatcats played with purpose, yet they couldn’t turn their chances into a second goal.
Post-Match Takeaways
This 1-1 result sums up the balance in Thai League 1, where games often turn on a single moment. Chiangrai United answered quickly enough to avoid a difficult road loss, and that first-half goal gave them a platform to protect a point. On the other side, Nakhon Ratchasima will feel they left something on the table after scoring so early.
Next, Chiangrai United move on with confidence after another solid away showing. Meanwhile, Nakhon Ratchasima will look to build on its home performance as the season moves into a key stretch.
For these two clubs, another hard battle ends in a draw, and the rivalry adds one more competitive chapter.
