SUKHOTHAI, Thailand (Interstat) — Sukhothai opened its Thai League 1 campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Nakhon Ratchasima on Saturday at Thung Thalay Luang Stadium, defying a late-match surge from the visitors to secure three points.

The match, played Dec. 13, 2025, saw the home side fall behind in the second half before rallying with two goals in an 18-minute span to claim the win. The result gives Sukhothai a winning start to the domestic season with one win and no losses, while Nakhon Ratchasima begins its campaign with one loss and no wins.

After a first half with few clear chances, the game ignited in the final half-hour. Against the run of play, Nakhon Ratchasima broke the deadlock in the 69th minute. Substitute forward Bukkoree Lemdee, who had just entered the match, provided a moment of individual brilliance, finding the net to stun the home crowd and give the visiting Swat Cats a 1-0 lead.

The advantage was short-lived. Sukhothai responded just four minutes later, leveling the score in the 73rd minute. The equalizer came from forward Gildo, who finished a decisive move to bring the hosts level and shift the momentum back in their favor.

Sukhothai completed the turnaround in the 87th minute to seal the victory. Midfielder Baggio Rakotonomenjanahary scored the decisive goal, assisted by defender Sarawut Kanlayanabandit, sending the home supporters into celebration. The assist capped a strong performance from Sarawut, though his involvement ended on a sour note as he received a yellow card in the second minute of stoppage time.

The final score of 2-1 for Sukhothai contrasted with the pre-match projection from Interstat’s game simulator, which had predicted a 1-1 draw. The data firm’s ELO rating system had considered Sukhothai a significant favorite, assigning the home side an 80.20 percent probability to win.

The victory provides a positive start for Sukhothai under the lights of their home stadium, building early-season momentum. For Nakhon Ratchasima, the match offered a promising lead but ultimately highlighted the challenge of closing out matches on the road against determined opposition. Both teams will continue their Thai League 1 schedules next weekend.