SHOCK DEFEAT FOR VIETNAM

The 2005 SEA Games finalists, who had a blistering start to their campaign this year when they beat Malaysia 3-1 two days ago, were a shade off colour as they conceded two own goals in the first-half of the game alone.

Quang Thanh and Long Giang were at fault for giving the Lions the 2-0 lead although they did gained some measure of advantage when Isa Halim was red-carded in the 29th minute of the tie.

With seconds remaining to the break, Singapore went further ahead when
Shahril Ishak slammed home past Vietnam keeper Tram Duc Wong for Singapore to be 3-0 in front.

Nine minutes after the restart saw Vietnam pulling a goal back when Phan Thanh Binh slammed home a loose ball to close the gap on the Singaporeans.

But their cause were not given the right assistance when Le Tan Tai was sent-off for an unnecessary elbow on Singapore’s Hafiz Osman as both teams settle to play with ten man.

Le Cong Vinh, who had been so instrumental in their demolition of Malaysia a few days earlier, then blasted in a penalty late in injury time for the final scoreline.

With the win, Singapore have picked up four points following their scoreless draw against Laos in their first game while Vietnam slipped to third in Group B with three points.

Malaysia moved up to second where after their 3-1 loss to Vietnam in the opening match of the group, they recovered to beat Laos 4-0.

Amirulhadi Zainal scored the opener in the 69th minute before the Malaysians added further goals from Mohd Safee Sali (75th and 84th minute) and Safiq in the 90th minute strike for the win.