SINGAPORE (19 Dec 2012) – Skipper Baihakki Khaizan netted a crucial goal late in injury time to lead Singapore to a 3-1 first leg AFF Suzuki Cup final win over Thailand at the Jalan Besar Stadium tonight.
Playing in front of 7,000 fans, which included President Dr Tony Tan, the Lions put up a courageous battle to maul the much-vaunted Thai side tonight. Singapore and Thailand have both won the tournament three times previously and are aiming for a record-breaking fourth title.
“It was a good game, exciting, and finished with a few goals,” said Radojko Avramovic. “It was a great job from all the players. They gave 100%.”
Singapore snatched an early eighth-minute lead when Mustafic Fahruddin converted from the spot but Thailand had to wait until the 59th minute for speedy flanker Adul Lahsoh to equalise. Thailand’s joy was shortlived when Mohamad Khairul Amri slammed a low shot into the corner to restore the lead for the Lions.
Then, with time up and deep into injury time, Singapore launched one final attack which saw Baihakki crash in a loose ball from a cross. The fans were delirious as they rejoiced with the realisation that their team had one hand on the trophy. History also favours the Lions as the winners of the first leg have always gone on to win the title.
Singapore had a dream start when they grabbed the lead after just eight minutes. In his haste to stop Alexander Duric, defender Piyaphon Buntao brought the lanky striker down in the box and referee Toma Masaaki did not hesitate to award the penalty.
Mustafic shot low to the left as goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan leapt right. Masaaki however ordered a re-take of the spot kick and although Mustafic appeared nervous, he whacked a rising shot to the right to ensure the Lions took the lead.
Thailand suffered a blow in the 26th minute when skipper Panupong appeared to sustain a back injury. He was replaced by Nattaporn Phanrit. Just past the half hour mark, Phitchipong sent a through pass to Anucha who cut in from the left and let loose a stinging shot that whizzed across an empty goal.
With ten minutes to go, Duric headed down the ball on the edge of the box and slammed towards goals. His effort however was easily caught by Kawin.
Thailand appeared to pick up steam toward the end with Teerasil, Datsakorn Jakkapan crashing through the Singapore defence. But skipper and defender Baihakki and his teammates managed to put the brakes on the speedy Thais until the break.
After the break, Thailand picked up the pace and they were rewarded with the equaliser in the 59th minute. Aduh flicked the ball to Teerasil who raced down to the right before crossing to the middle. Aduh, who had made his way to the centre, easily connected the cross.
But three minutes later, the hardworking Duric set-up Khairul Amri at the top of the box. Khairul, with his back to the goal, turned and whipped the ball into the corner. Then with time almost up, Baihakki knocked in the crucial third goal.
“The result is not a problem,” said Winfried Schaefer, the chief coach of Thailand. “We still have the second game to change the result. But it was important that we scored that one goal.”
TEAMS
SINGAPORE (Red/Red/Red): Mohammad Izwan Mahmud (GK), Mohamad Shaiful Esah Nain, Mohammad Isa Abdul Halim, Baihakki Khaizan, Shahdan Sulaiman, Aleksandar Duric, Mustafic Fahruddin, Daniel Bennett, Mohammad Shahril Ishak (cpt), Mohammad Khairul Amri (Muhammad Firdaus 87th), Muhammad Safuwan Baharudin (Muhammad Irwan 90th)
Head coach: Radojko Avramovic
Scorer(s): Mustafic (8th pen), Khairul Amri (59th), Baihakki (90th)
Yellow: Mustafic (20th)
Red: nil
THAILAND (Blue/Blue/Blue): Kawin Thamsatchanan (GK), Panupong Wongsa (Cpt) –(Nattaporn Phanrit 26th) , Theerathon Bunmathan, Chonlatit Jantakam, Datsakorn Thonglao(Pipob On-Mo 79th), Teerasil Dangda, Anucha Kitpongsri (Arthit Sunthornphit 58th), Adul Lahsoh, Jakkapan Pornsai, Phichitphong Choeichiu, Piyaphon Buntao
Head coach: Winfried Schaefer
Scorer(s): Adul Lahsoh (62nd)
Yellow: nil
Red: nil
Match Officials
Referee: Toma Masaaki (Jpn)
Assistant referee 1: Miyajima Kazushiro (Jpn)
Assistant referee 2: Nagi Toshiyuki (Jpn)
Fourth official: Sato Ryuji (Jpn)
Match Commissioner: Dato’ Yap Nyim Keong (DO KL)
Referee Assessor: Dhang Thanh Ha (Vietnam)
General Coordinator: Jeysing G. Muthiah (DO KL)
