Thai League leader Buriram and its gang reach Thailand League Cup semis

Ekanit Panya bagged a first-half winner as Chiang Rai United moved a step closer to defending their League Cup title after a 1-0 quarter-final victory over BG Pathum United on Wednesday night.

Thai League 1 leader Buriram United also reached the semi-finals with a win from the extra time over True Bangkok United.  Substitute Nacer Barazite scored the winning goal for the Thunder Castle after 113 minutes.

At Pathum United, Chiang Rai played attack but they were unable to make use of their chance with goalkeeper Chatchai Budpprom doing an excellent job.

The home team's defense crumbled when William crossed the ball from the right and a Chatchai clearance found Ekanit within a few yards of the net.

In the second half, Pathum came back but found it difficult to destroy the Chiang Rai defense.

Another top-flight club moved into the last four last night when PT Prachuap won ovrer second-tier Police Tero 2-1.

Thailand discard Siroch Chatthong scored a goal in the 18th minute.

Jitpanya Thisud opened the ball for Amorn Thammanam to set up Siroch for an easy picking to help the team take the lead.

However, Police Tero got an equalizer in the 33rd minute when Nattawut Moonsuwan made a header to Simon Dia to finish.

Prachuap got the winning goal in the 64th minute when Jean Philip Mendy, who came on in the second half, deftly set up Puritat Jarikanont to push Police Tero out of the tournament.

Visiting Nongbua Pitchaya defeated third-division Ranong United 5-2 in a penalty shoot-out after a draw.