BANGKOK: Singapore crashed out of the AFF Suzuki Cup on Sunday (Nov 25) after losing 3-0 to reigning champions Thailand at the Rajamangala Stadium.
An own goal from Irfan Fandi, a poacher’s finish from Supachai Jaided and a late Adisak Kraisorn strike meant the Thais top Group B on 10 points while the Lions finished third with six.
Heading into the match, Fandi Ahmad’s Singapore side needed a victory to guarantee their place in the semi-finals of the tournament.
The Lions gave the home side an early scare as Ikhsan Fandi’s low shot was pushed away by Thai custodian Chatchai Budprom.
But it was the Thais who broke the deadlock in the 12th minute, as an inswinging cross was scuffed into his own net by Irfan.
Singapore against Thailand in the AFF Suzuki Cup on Sunday (Nov 25). (Photo: Matthew Mohan)
The hosts doubled their lead 11 minutes later as an attempted clearance from Zulqarnaen Suzliman fell kindly to Jaided’s feet and he finished low past Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny.
Singapore came out firing after the break, with the introduction of Faris Ramli providing some added impetus.
Ikhsan almost pulled one back in the 55th minute for the Lions but his curling freekick from just outside the area failed to hit the target.
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Fandi threw defender Safuwan Baharudin into attack and his side started to punt the ball long as the Lions tried to find their way back into the match.
But this meant the home side had extra space to exploit and striker Kraisorn duly sealed the Thais’ victory with one minute left.
The loss means it has been six years since the Lions last progressed past the group stages of the tournament.
In the group’s other game, Philippines were held to a goalless draw by already-eliminated Indonesia. Sven Goran Eriksson’s Azkals finished in second behind the Thais.
