Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Bangkok: Singapore lifted the AFF Suzuki Cup title for the record fourth time with an aggregate 3-2 win over Thailand after they lost 1-0 on Saturday’s second leg of the final having won the first leg in Singapore 3-1.
In the match played at the Supachalasai Stadium, Thailand’s Kirati Keawsombat headed effort in the first half was not enough as the Thais had conceded three goals four days earlier in Singapore in the first leg.
The Thais pressed hard throughout the second half but Singapore goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, the defenders and the woodwork ensured that the home side does not get the second precious goal as they missed out the chance to become the first side in the competition to win the trophy four times.
Singapore coach Radojko Avramovic praised the Thailand side but stated that his team deserved to win over the two legs.
“Why not (call ourselves the best team in the region),” the Serbian was quoted by the competition’s official website. “I think we deserved the title. We dominated the first game and scored enough goals to win the title.
“It was a long campaign and in the end the best two teams played the final. I do not think Thailand can be called losers. They tried their best tonight and we tried our best in Singapore. We beat them there and they beat us tonight.”
The Serbian confirmed speculation that Saturday’s match would be his last in charge of Singapore.
“Yes, it is going to end tonight,” said Avramovic, who took over as Singapore coach in 2003 and led the Lions to consecutive Asean titles in 2004 and 2007.