Muangthong United’s Singapore Struggles In AFC Club Competitions
However, when it comes to playing against Singaporean teams in AFC club competitions, the Thai giants have consistently struggled.
From past encounters with SAFFC and Tampines Rovers to their most recent hitting-the-kerb against Lion City Sailors, Muangthong’s struggles in Singapore remain a recurring theme.
EARLIER SETBACKS AT JBS
That bumpy ride of "Twin Qilins" in began in the 2010 AFC Champions League playoff against SAFFC at Jalan Besar Stadium (JBS) - the main venue of Asian club tournaments for Singaporean clubs.| René Desaeyere - MTU coach in 2010 |
Despite their reputation, the Nonthaburi-based club failed to secure victory, missing out on the group stage of Asia’s elite club competition.
Their frustrations continued in the 2011 AFC Cup group stage when they faced Tampines Rovers. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, further underscoring Muangthong’s inability to dominate opposition from the island republic.
Their frustrations continued in the 2011 AFC Cup group stage when they faced Tampines Rovers. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, further underscoring Muangthong’s inability to dominate opposition from the island republic.
2025 DISASTER: A HEAVY DEFEAT IN ACL TWO
Fast forward to 2024, and Muangthong United found themselves back at JBS, this time for the AFC Champions League Two Round of 16.| Henrique Calisto - MTU Coach in 2011 |
Hopes were high given the slim margin between the two after the first-leg at SCG Stadium, but history repeated itself in the worst possible way when Lion City Sailors delivered a damning 4-0 defeat, sending Muangthong out of the competition and extending their winless streak on Singaporean soil.
A CONTINUING TREND
While Muangthong United remains a competitive force in Thai League 1, their struggles in Singapore reflect a broader challenge in AFC club competitions.Their inability to break the JBS curse has haunted them for over a decade, making Singaporean clubs an unexpected stumbling block in their regional ambitions.
Can Muangthong United finally turn the tide in future encounters, or will their Singaporean nightmare continue?
Time will tell, but for now, their record in Lion City remains pessimistic.
MTU'S RECORD AT JBS
Here is a recap of Muangthong United FC. record at JBS since 2010
▶️ 2010 - eliminated by SAFFC on penalties in the ACL playoff and denied a spot in the group stages
▶️ 2011 - draw 1-1 with Tampines Rovers (now BG Tampines Rovers) in the AFC Cup group stages
▶️ 2025 - defeated 4-0 by Lion City Sailors (7-2 on aggregate) and knocked out of the ACL Two Round of 16.
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