The Singapore Lions suffered a 4-2 defeat to Thailand in the AFF Championship, leaving their hopes of reaching the semi-finals dependent on the final group match against Malaysia. Coach Tsutomu Ogura praised the team's strong first-half performance but lamented their inability to maintain control in the second half. Singapore need a draw or victory against Malaysia to secure a top-two finish.
The Lions’ last-four hopes will now go down to the final group match against Malaysia in Bukit Jalil on Dec 20.The Lions will be licking their wounds while on their travels across the Causeway after they squandered a 2-0 lead to suffer a 4-2 defeat by Thailand in an Asean Championship match at the National Stadium on Dec 17.
Lions coach Tsutomu Ogura spoke about a tale of two halves, saying: “The first half I think was the best 45 minutes . Players were not scared, not afraid, built up from the back. The opponents were also a little bit confused.” Thailand coach Masatada Ishii, meanwhile, said: “The players fought till the final whistle. Singapore were a good team and the two goals they scored were hard to defend.
But shoddy defending allowed Thailand to find their way back into the tie and eventually bag all three points to seal their place in the last four as group winners with a game to spare. The home support would again collectively get off their seats in the 10th minute, when Shawal controlled a long hoof from Izwan Mahbud with a deft first touch before unleashing a shot that was beyond the reach of Thai goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai.
But the Thais kept knocking and in the third minute of added time, they found the breakthrough when Peeradon Chamratsamee got on the end of a cross to prod home from close range.
AFF Championship Singapore Lions Thailand Malaysia Ogura
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