Singapore beat Thailand 2-1 but miss out on Asean Championship final on aggregate

Singapore beat Thailand 2-1 at Rajamangala Stadium on Tuesday (Aug 18), but their Asean Championship campaign ended at the semi-final stage after a 4-3 aggregate defeat.

The Lions had given themselves hope when Harhys Stewart struck just before half-time to cut Thailand's aggregate lead to 3-2, but a second-half penalty converted by Kakana Khamyok restored the hosts' two-goal cushion. 

Singapore responded almost immediately when Ryhan Stewart's dangerous low delivery across the six-yard box was turned into his own net by Pansa Hemviboon, reducing the aggregate deficit to one goal and setting up a tense finish.

Singapore, however, could not find the goal they needed to force extra time.

Heavy rain before kick-off had left the Rajamangala pitch slick, and drizzle returned in the second half as Gavin Lee's side chased a route back into the tie.

Singapore started positively and enjoyed most of the early possession, moving the ball down both flanks, although Thailand looked the more dangerous side on the counter.

The hosts thought they had scored in the 32nd minute when Seksan Ratree broke through and calmly finished past Izwan Mahbud, only for the offside flag to rule it out.

Singapore made the reprieve count on the stroke of half-time.

Thailand goalkeeper Kampol Pathomakkakul rushed out to deal with a quick counter but his clearance fell to Harhys Stewart, who kept his composure to send the ball into the unguarded net from around 20 metres.

The goal sent Singapore into the break just one strike away from levelling the tie.

But their task became considerably harder on the hour mark.

Wanchai Jarunongkran burst down the left on a Thailand counter before cutting onto his right foot inside the box, where he was brought down by Stewart. The referee immediately pointed to the spot.

Kakana, introduced at the start of the second half, stepped up in the 62nd minute and drove his penalty into the top-right corner, giving Izwan no chance and restoring Thailand's two-goal aggregate advantage.

Singapore responded three minutes later.

Ryhan drove a dangerous ball across goal, with Pansa Hemviboon turning it into his own net to leave the Lions just one goal away from forcing extra time.

Lee then went for broke, sending on attackers Glen Kweh and Shawal Anuar in the 65th minute for Adam Abdullah and Farhan Zulkifli as Singapore pushed for the goal that would keep their campaign alive.

The extra attacking intent inevitably left space at the other end, and Thailand almost killed off the tie in the 69th minute when Teerasak Poeiphimai fired against the post from a tight angle on the left.

Singapore continued to press through the closing stages, with the aggregate score leaving little margin for caution, but Thailand held firm.

The 2-1 victory nevertheless ended Singapore's run of 11 consecutive defeats against Thailand and was their first win over the War Elephants since the 2012 Asean Championship final.

The Lions therefore leave Bangkok with a victory on the night, but not the scoreline they needed.

Their campaign ends after an unbeaten Group A run in which they defeated Cambodia and Timor-Leste and drew with Vietnam and Indonesia, before Thailand handed them their first loss of the tournament in the semi-final first leg.

Singapore's wait for a fifth Asean Championship crown will continue, while Thailand advance to the final with a 4-3 aggregate victory. 

[[nid:742967]]

Shafiq.APANDI@Asiaone.com