Thailand went into attack mode from the start with Sarach Yooyen signalling their intent in the third minute with a strike from distance, followed by Teerasil Dangda forcing Timor-Leste goalkeeper Junildo Pereira into making fine saves. 

Teerasil continued to be a threat with his closest attempt coming in the 41st minute, sailing mere inches over the crossbar as Timor-Leste held on for a goalless first half. 

Thailand head coach Alexandre Polking sent on Pathompol Charoenrattanaipirom after the break, and the BG Pathum United forward made an impact just six minutes in after drilling home the ball into the bottom right corner, courtesy of Narubadin Weerawatnodom’s cross into the box. 

Timor-Leste immediately pushed back with Elias Mesquita and Nelson Viegas having chances, but failed to find more opportunities as Thailand quickly regained control. 

Narubadin provided another sublime cross in the 81st minute that Supachok Sarachat finished with a superb volley from close range to seal the points.

Singapore came into the match confident of their chances but it was Myanmar who had a bright start as they barraged goalkeeper Hassan Sunny with attempts in the opening 15 minutes. 

The Lions kept their cool and slowly found their attacking foot, and got their breakthrough in the 34th minute with Safuwan Baharudin rising highest to head home the opening goal off a corner. 

Singapore doubled their lead five minutes later as Ikhsan Fandi finished a counter attack with a  low drive past goalkeeper Myo Min Latt. 

Singapore made it 3-0 just before the break with Ikhsan heading home Shahdan Sulaiman’s free-kick. 

Singapore play Philippines next on Wednesday while Myanmar will face Timor-Leste. In Monday’s Group B action, Malaysia and Cambodia will square off while defending champions Vietnam open their campaign against Laos.

Photos: AFF Cup