HO CHI MINH CITY (7 August 2019) – Substitute Danish Qayyum Putra Shahrin Azhar gave Singapore a valuable point in their opening game of Group B of the AFF Under-18 Next Media Cup 2019 when they held Thailand to a 1-1 draw here at the Thanh Long Stadium.
Qayyum, who came in right at the hour mark for Abdul Rasaq Ishiekwene Akeem, delightful chipping shot cancelled Thailand’s earlier goal through Achitpol Keereerom.
“It was by no means an easy game but the players played with discipline and we are naturally happy with the one point against Thailand” said Singapore head coach Mohamed Fadzuhasny Juraimi.
The action was end to end with both teams eager to follow up with the blistering start to the championships as demonstrated by teams fro Group A yesterday where a total of 21 goals were scored in the three matches played.
But neither teams were giving up much space as the battle were restricted to mostly at the centre of the park with Thailand perhaps having the better share of chances in an exhilarating first half.
Achitpolc could have given Thailand the early lead but he totally skied his attempt in front of an open goal while sometime later, his glancing header just missed the target.
Singapore’s Abdul Rasaq had a fabulous freekick then forced Thailand keeper Soponwit Rakyart to an outstretched save as both teams had to settle for a scoreless deadlock in the first half.
However just five minutes after the restart, Thailand grabbed the lead when Achitpol made good on a rebound after an earlier attempt from Pharadon Phattaphon was blocked by Singapore custodian Oliver Sim.
Singapore pushed up a notch in search of the equalizer as the Thais then went on counter attack mode.
And six minutes to the end, Singapore finally got the goal they were looking for when Qayyum unleashed a delightful shot from some 20metres to beat Thai keeper Sopornwit.
