Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Singapore: Thailand got their ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Championship Group B campaign off to a winning start on Sunday after recording a 2-1 win over hosts Singapore, while Malaysia and Myanmar shared the spoils.
The Thais, widely regarded as favourites for the tournament, took the lead in the ninth minute when Monkol Tossagri was left unmarked at the far post and met Prakit Deeprom’s cross with an emphatic finish into the roof of the net.
Nonetheless, Singapore managed to pull level in the 20th minute after Khairul Amri found space inside the area and sent a firm header past Kawin Thamsatchanan, after being picked out by Shaiful Esah’s excellent left-wing delivery.
But just when it looked like a draw was on the cards, the War Elephants were awarded a penalty two minutes from time after Safuwan Baharudin was penalised for handball inside the box; Charyl Chappuis stepping up and clinically firing beyond Hassan Sunny’s despairing dive.
In Sunday’s earlier game in Group B, Malaysia were able to overcome a one-man deficit to play out a 0-0 draw with Myanmar at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
After getting off to a bright start, Harimau Malaya were dealt a real blow when midfielder Gary Robbat was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 35th minute.
Nonetheless, they were able to keep Myanmar at bay to earn a share of the spoils, with goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi producing a number of smart saves in the second half, while defenders Mahali Jasuli and Afif Amiruddin were also excellent at the back.