Singapore Lions lose 4-2 to Thailand after blowing two-goal lead in Asean Championship

SINGAPORE: Singapore suffered a devastating 4-2 loss to Thailand after leading by two goals in their 2024 Asean Football Championship group stage clash on 17 December. The dramatic match, attended by over 22,000 fans, took place at the National Stadium in Singapore and kicked off at 8:30pm. Singapore had been on a high following back-to-back wins—2-1 against Cambodia and 3-0 against Timor-Leste—but their campaign suffered a significant blow as defending champions Thailand turned the match around in the second half.

First half: Singapore takes control

The Lions made an explosive start, with forward Shawal Anuar scoring a stunning opener just 10 minutes into the game. A long pass from goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud was calmly controlled by Shawal, who fired a powerful shot into the far corner. Building on this momentum, Singapore doubled their lead in the 34th minute when forward Faris Ramli unleashed a superb long-range strike from outside the penalty box, leaving the Thai goalkeeper with no chance. However, Thailand responded before the break. Striker Patrik Gustavsson capitalised on a defensive lapse, finding the net just before half-time to reduce Singapore’s lead to 2-1.

Second half: Thailand’s dominance

Thailand emerged from the interval with renewed vigour, relentlessly attacking Singapore’s defensive line. In the 52nd minute, Suphanet Mueanta equalised with a powerful header from a precise cross-field delivery, levelling the game at 2-2. The match was not without its share of controversy. Thailand thought they had taken the lead in the 70th minute when Pamsa Hemviboon found the net, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR check confirmed a foul on Singapore goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud. In stoppage time, Thai captain Peeradol Chamrasamee’s 93rd-minute strike initially appeared to be ruled out for offside. However, after a prolonged VAR review, the goal was awarded, putting Thailand ahead 3-2. Singapore, in a desperate attempt to equalise, committed players forward but were punished on the counterattack. Deep into added time, Teerasak Poeiphimai sealed Thailand’s victory with a near-post strike past Izwan Mahbud, completing an unanswered streak of three second-half goals.

Group standings and what’s next

The victory secured Thailand’s spot at the top of Group A, while Singapore’s chances of advancing to the semi-finals are now under threat. Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste make up Group A, while Group B consists of Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals of the tournament, officially known as the Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup. Singapore’s next match is against Malaysia on 20 December at 9pm. The Lions must avoid defeat to have any hope of progressing to the next stage. With Malaysia vying for qualification as well, the clash promises to be a high-stakes encounter for both sides.