In a pulsating ASEAN Championship clash that had fans on the edge of their seats, Thailand staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Singapore 4-2 and book their place in the tournament semifinals. The result left the Lions’ hopes hanging by a thread, with a tricky tie against rivals Malaysia now standing between them and an early exit.
Singapore’s Dream Start Turns Sour
The match began in stunning fashion for Singapore, who raced into a shock 2-0 lead within the first 35 minutes. Shawal Anuar opened the scoring with a sublime finish, expertly trapping a long ball from Izwan Mahbud before firing low into the corner from a difficult angle. Faris Ramli then doubled the advantage with a trademark curling effort that left Thai goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai grasping at thin air.
The best 45 minutes we have played… at the tournament, and arguably since I took over the job back in February.
Singapore coach Tsutomu Ogura
However, Thailand’s quality began to shine through as the half wore on. Patrik Gustavsson pulled one back just before the break, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
Thailand’s Irresistible Response
The War Elephants came out firing after the restart and Suphanat Mueanta headed them level on 52 minutes. Thailand then thought they had taken the lead through Pansa Hemviboon, only for VAR to rule out the goal.
Undeterred, the Thais continued to pour forward and finally got their reward deep into stoppage time. Peeradon Chamratsamee lashed home what proved to be the winner, with Teerasak Poeiphimai adding gloss to the scoreline on the counter as a shellshocked Singapore pushed for an equalizer.
Missed Chances Haunt Singapore
In truth, the Lions will feel they should have taken at least a point from the game. Abdul Rasaq Akeem was denied by a stunning save from Patiwat when through on goal at 3-2, while Taufik Suparno agonizingly fired wide during a late goalmouth scramble.
Those missed opportunities may well come back to haunt Ogura’s men, who know they now likely need a victory against Malaysia to keep their semifinal hopes alive. In a cruel twist of déjà vu, it was a heavy defeat to the same opponents that sealed Singapore’s group stage exit two years ago.
Thailand March On, Singapore Regroup
For Thailand, the victory rubber-stamps their status as tournament favorites and sets up a mouth-watering semifinal clash against the winner of Group B. Coach Mano Polking will be delighted with the resilience shown by his youthful side, many of whom are experiencing the ASEAN Championship for the first time.
Singapore, meanwhile, must dust themselves down quickly and produce a response against Malaysia. With the format of the tournament meaning even a draw could spell elimination, the stakes could hardly be higher for this most historic of rivalries.
The equation may be simple – avoid defeat to reach the last four – but the scars of that chastening defeat two years ago run deep. For Ogura and his players, only a complete 90-minute performance will be enough to exorcise those demons and keep their championship dreams alive.
As the dust settles on a captivating contest at the National Stadium, Thailand can bask in the glory of a job well done. Singapore, though, are left to wonder what might have been. The ASEAN Championship has delivered yet another twist in its tale – and it may not be the last.
