Defending Thai FA Cup champions Buriram United were sent packing from the competition after the Thai League 1 giants were stunned by Thai League 3 side Bangkok FC in an absolute thriller of a classic at the 72nd Anniversary Stadium in Bang Mod, Thailand, with the Fire Bulls edging out the Thunder Castles 5-4 on Wednesday.
Buriram head coach Arthur Papas fielded a strong team for last season's treble winners as they took on a Bangkok side chasing promotion from the third tier of Thai football, with the presence of Sasalak Haiprakhon, Lucas Crispim, Lonsana Doumbouya, Theerathon Bunmathan, Pansa Hemviboon, and Ratthanakorn Maikami making Buriram the clear favorites in this tie.
Even the Thunder Castles' bench was stacked with talent, with the likes of Siwarak Tedsungnoen, Supachai Chaided, and Narubadin Weerawatnodom present.
However, it was Bangkok who drew first blood in the 2nd minute, courtesy of former Than Quang Ninh, SHB Da Nang, and Kalteng Putra striker Eydison.
Crispim restored parity for Buriram in the 29th minute, before three minutes later Doumbouya gave the Thunder Castles the lead, ensuring that the favorites would have the slim advantage coming into the break.
However, the second half saw all Hell broke loose for Buriram as Bangkok ran rampant. Dudu Lima equalized for the hosts three minutes into the second half, before the Brazilian striker regained the lead for the Fire Bulls just seconds afterwards much to the amusement of the home fans.
Even with Siwarak, Supachai, and Narubadin coming on from the bench, Buriram could not contend with 35-year old veteran Lima, who bagged his hat-trick in the 68th minute to increase Bangkok's lead further.
Then came a chaotic injury time that saw Doumbouya score his second in the 98th minute to make it 4-3, before Theerathon slammed home Buriram's equalizer two minutes later.
But with extra time looming, it was Bangkok who had the last laugh as Wachirawut Phudithip scored the Fire Bulls' winner in the 14th minute of injury time, and despite a red card for Eydison late into the match, Bangkok managed to hung onto their slender lead for a famous win.
The defeat was the first time a Thai side had scored five or more goals against Buriram, a recognition only held by the now-defunct Chinese side Guangzhou R&F and South Korean giants FC Seoul.
Buriram weren't the only Thai League 1 side knocked out in Wednesday's cup action, with PT Prachuap suffering a penalty shootout defeat at the hands of fellow top-flight side Lamphun Warrior and Nakhon Pathom United being edged out 2-1 by Chonburi FC, who were struggling at the bottom half of the Thai League 1 table.
Other matches saw Thai League 3 side Samut Sakhon City eliminating second-tier side Chiangmai United on penalties, True Bangkok United surviving another Thai League 3 side as they squeezed past Songkhla FC after a tense shootout, top-flight Sukhothai FC easily knocking out third-tier side Saimit Kabin United, Thai League 2's Dragon Pathumwan Kanchanaburi edging out third-tier outfit Phitsanulok Unity 1-0, and Udon United prevailing on penalties in an all-Thai League 3 affair over Surin City.
