Stunning strike from Andrew Nabbout not enough to secure Melbourne City win in Asia

Despite a brilliant goal from Andrew Nabbout, Melbourne City had to settle for a draw in the club’s AFC Champions League debut.

Andrew Nabbout celebrates scoring for Melbourne City against BG Pathum United. Picture: Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images

Melbourne City’s first foray into Asian football has ended in a draw.

Making their AFC Champions League debut, the reigning A-League title-holders drew 1-1 with Thai club BG Pathum United in Bangkok.

City grabbed the lead through Andrew Nabbout but United equalised via Teerasil Dangda with the aid of goal-keeping error from Thomas Glover

The Melbourne club had a stoppage-time chance to win the match, but Socceroos striker Jamie Maclaren was foiled by United custodian Kittipong Phuthawchueak.

“We could’ve scored at the end, we had a few good half chances but ... for us, it’s a good start to our campaign,” City coach Patrick Kisnorbo said.

“We’re not going to be able to press for 90 minutes, we’re not going to have possession for 90 minutes and that’s reality. The way we handled it, I thought we did really well.”

Melbourne City’s Andrew Nabbout celebrates scoring against BG Pathum United. Picture: Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images

City’s first AFC Champions League goal was well worth the wait.

It came in the 22nd minute from the powerful Nabbout, who unleashed a stinging, angled left-footed drive from the edge of the penalty area that flew into the top corner of the net.

The goal was a good reward for City’s early dominance.

However City’s joy was short-lived, with United equalising 13 minutes later through Dangda.

The opportunity came after City’s Marco Tilio lost the ball in the midfield.

A cross was eventually floated into City’s penalty area, where Dangda headed the ball home after goalkeeper Glover failed in his attempt to reach the cross before United’s star attacker.

The Melbourne club’s next Group G game is on Monday night against Filipino outfit United City.

Originally published as Stunning strike from Andrew Nabbout not enough to secure Melbourne City win in Asia