Buriram were rewarded for a strong start as Anawin Jujeen headed the home side in front after 17 minutes only for an eye-catching volley from Bunyodkor substitute Igor Taran to pull the visitors level in first-half stoppage time.

But despite Bunyodkor continuing to improve in the second half, Ekkachai headed home to hand Buriram – with new head coach Scott Cooper in the dugout following the departure of Atthaphol Puspakom – a slender advantage ahead of next week’s return fixture in Tashkent.

“We have done a terrific job and won the game tonight, but we will not be too overwhelmed by this victory. We have another 90 minutes in Uzbekistan to prove ourselves since Bunyodkor is a strong team and have had good performance in the AFC Champions League for many years,” said Buriram coach Cooper.

“We also have one Thai Premier League match to conquer before we leave for the away game.

“And even though we have two players, Suchao Nutnum and Carmelo Gonzalez, back for the away match, we need to play our game and have good teamwork. We will play our aggressive game against Bunyodkor.”

After Buriram became the first Thai team in a decade to reach the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League, the home side made a strong start with visiting goalkeeper Murotjon Zukhurov, who was starting in place of Uzbekistan international Ignatiy Nesterov, was twice called into action in quick succession inside the opening 15 minutes.

And after 17 minutes Buriram took a deserved lead as Theerathon Bunmathan’s hopefully ball forward found Anawin, and despite the presence of Bunyodkor captain Hayrulla Karimov, the midfielder’s glancing header was enough to beat Zukhurov.

With Buriram continuing to dominate, Kai Hirano was presented with a glorious chance to double the home side’s lead soon after but the Japanese midfielder blazed over from just inside the area.

Bunyodkor’s slow start prompted coach Mirdjalal Kasimov into an early change with Igor Taran replacing Fozil Musaev six minutes before half-time.

And the change paid off in first-half stoppage time as Lutfulla Turaev crossed for the on-rushing Taran to expertly guide a side-footed volley into the top corner from close to the penalty spot.

Bunyodkor were unlucky not to take the lead a minute after the hour mark as Kamoliddin Murzoev’s turning close range shot hit the post with Buriram goalkeeper Siwarak Tedsungnoen rooted to the spot.

But the home side took full advantage 15 minutes later as Ekkachai rose to send a looping glancing header over Zukhurov and into the far corner as Buriram claimed a slender advantage ahead of next week’s return fixture in Tashkent.

“My Squad played their best in the game, but I have to admit our players were fatigued from the long journey to Buriram. It took us one and a half days to get here,” said Bunyodkor coach Kasimov.

“Prior the game, I advised my team not to underestimate Buriram United since