SINGAPORE (5 Dec 2021) – Singapore took the lead in Group A of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 after thumping Myanmar 3-0 as Thailand romped to a 2-0 win over Timor Leste at the end of the first matchday at the National Stadium this evening.
Playing in front of their home fans gave Singapore all the inspiration they needed where after several near misses, they duly opened account in the 34th minute off Safuwan Baharuddin header.
A double from Ikhsan Fandi in the 39th and 45th minute put Singapore comfortable at the half.
And with no further goals after the breather, it gave Singapore the full points and their place at the top of the standings.
“We scored three goals in the first half but none in the second half. And definitely, we can do better and be better in the next game,” said Singapore head coach Tatsuma Yoshida.
Added Myanmar head coach Antoine Hey: “We had some difficulty in the match and that is the result of the long lay-off from the league. Our match temperament was just not there.”
In the meantime, Thailand also started their campaign on the right note when they beat Timor Leste 2-0.
With the number of quality players on their side, Thailand showed that the lack of preparation time did not affect them one bit as they took control of the game early on.
A string of chances came in the first quarter of an hour but Supachok Sarachat was a just tad off the mark while Bordin Phala’s effort in the 14th minute came off the underside of the crossbar.
However, the change for Pathompon Charoenrattanapirom just after the break would turn things around for Thailand when he broke the deadlock in the 51st minute of play with a low grounder.
An own goal nine minutes to the end from Timor Leste defender Armindo Correira De Almeida completed the win for Thailand.
“The first step is for us to win the three points and now we will have five days rest before the next match,” said Alexandre Polking.
“The players tried and tried hard today and we created a lot of chances today, it is just that we need to be more clinical in our finishing. But after just three to four days of being together, we are already at a good level.”
Replied Timor Leste head coach Fabio Maciel: “I am so proud of my players in spite of the loss tonight as they tried very hard. Most of the players are very young playing against a team which I think will be in the final this year.”
AFF SUZUKI CUP 2020
GROUP A (All matches at the National Stadium)
RESULTS
5 December 2021
Timor Leste 0-2 Thailand
Singapore 3-0 Myanmar
FIXTURES
8 December 2021
1730: Myanmar vs Timor Leste
2030: Philippines vs Singapore
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