A spirited ACL2 campaign has come to an end, with the Bulls falling to Bangkok United on home soil at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Facing a must-win clash in the AFC Champions League Two Round of 16, the Bulls entered the second leg determined to overturn a 2–0 deficit from the first encounter. It was always going to be a tough task, but belief remained high heading into the decisive fixture.
Bangkok United struck early, opening the scoring in just the second minute to extend their aggregate lead. Chris Ikonomidis and Mitchell Duke both created promising opportunities in response but were unable to find the finishing touch.
The visitors doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute. Initially ruled offside, the goal was awarded following a VAR review.
Trailing at the break, the Bulls returned with attacking intent in the second half. Harry Sawyer was introduced to bolster the frontline alongside Ikonomidis and Duke as the hosts pushed to spark a comeback.
The breakthrough came from an unlikely source, with Walter Scott unleashing a powerful strike that rocketed into the back of the net to give the Bulls hope. The home side continued to press, and Sawyer found the scoresheet deep into injury time, but it proved too little, too late.
The match finished with a 4–2 aggregate result, bringing the Bulls’ AFC Champions League Two campaign to a close.
