AFF Cup
After a goalless first half, Singapore scored twice before surviving a late Philippines revival to lead the standings in Group B after Matchday Two.
Myanmar are back in contention for a place in the semi-finals after a goal in each half gave them a 2-0 win over Timor-Leste.
PHILIPPINES 1-2 SINGAPORE
The Philippines came out strongly at the National Stadium as Bienvenido Marañon tested Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny right off the bat, before the hosts countered with attempts of their own through Gabriel Quak.
Both sides were livelier towards the end of the first half but neither could secure the advantage heading into the break.
Singapore, who had opened their campaign with a 3-0 win over Myanmar, came out stronger in the second half and their desire to impress their home supporters bore fruit at the hour-mark through captain Hariss Harun, who headed home from close range from a corner kick set-piece.
Buoyed by the goal, Singapore doubled their advantage two minutes later from a counter-attacking move, with Zulgarnaen Suzliman curling in a sublime cross that a surging Faris Ramli finished.
Philippines immediately switched gears with Stephen Schrock coming close minutes later with his long range strike, but it was Amin Nazari who pulled one back in the 69th minute as he rose highest to head home Kevin Ingreso’s corner kick but there was to be no comeback.
MYANMAR 2-0 TIMOR-LESTE
It was a tight contest from the referee’s first blow of the whistle, as both sides exchanged blows in the opening minutes, but it was Myanmar who came out on top in the back-and-forth encounter, with Than Paing heading home from close range to break the deadlock.
Myanmar almost doubled their lead two minutes later through Khant Myat Kaung, but his strike from distance missed the upright by mere inches while Timor-Leste’s best chance came in the 36th minute with Paulo Gali forcing a fine save out of goalkeeper Myo Min Latt.
After their opening day defeat to Singapore, Myanmar were determined to bag all three points, and they carried that tenacity into the second half with Maung Maung Lwin making it 2-0 in the 50th minute, courtesy of Hein Htet Aung’s assist.
Timor-Leste played well to match Myanmar’s aggression, but were unable to make it far into the final third, with Paulo and Nelson Viegas keeping ‘keeper Myo Min Latt on his toes with their attempts on goal.
Myanmar kept pushing for a third goal but Timor-Leste goalkeeper Junildo Pereira was able to hold his ground.
Timor-Leste face a must-win match when they play the Philippines on Saturday, while Myanmar will hope to overcome Thailand in the day’s later match.
Photos: Myanmar Football Federation
