Football
ESPN staff 9y

Thai heartbreak for defending champs Singapore in Suzuki Cup opener

An 89th minute penalty by Swiss-born midfielder Chappuis Charyl gave Thailand a 2-1 victory over defending champions Singapore in a battle of Southeast Asian heavyweights at the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup at the Singapore National Stadium.

Chappuis converted the spot kick after Singapore defender Safuwan Bahrudin handled in the box just as the match on opening day in Group B seemed headed for a draw.

Both nations are predicted to advance to the semifinals of the biennial tournament. Earlier in the day, Myanmar and Malaysia drew their first game 0-0 at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

The match was Singapore's first competitive international at the recently opened Sports Hub.

The playing surface appeared to be better than when it came in for criticism as the city state provided a neutral venue for the Japan against Brazil friendly last month.

But the Suzuki Cup co-hosts made the worst possible start when a throw-in from defender Peerapat Notechaiya caught the Singapore defence napping.

A cross was whipped in by Prakit Deeprom before Mongkol Tossakai produced a clinical finish to give Thailand the lead in the ninth minute.

But 11 minutes later, Singapore were back on level terms after a sumptuous cross from fullback Shaiful Esah floated over the Thai central defence to set up Khairul Amri who made no mistake from close range.

Soon after, Singapore defender Baihakki Khaizan was fortunate to escape a second yellow card after a crude challenge as Thailand looked to re-assert their authority.

Khairul thought he had given the Lions the lead when he had the ball in the back of the net just before halftime but the goal was ruled out for offside. However, replays showed that the 2012 Suzuki Cup hero was unlucky.

At the start of the second half, Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny was called on to preserve the scoreline by tipping a long-range shot from Prakit Deeprom over the bar.

At the other end, Lions' forward Shahril Ishak found space in the box in the 63rd minute only to come up with an air swing as he turned and attempted to shoot.

As the match wore on, both teams played more conservatively, introducing a series of substitutes, including striker Kraisorn Adisak, who came on for Kirati Keawsombut as Thailand coach Kiatisuk Senamuang mixed up his attacking options.

The War Elephants often looked dangerous as they transitioned from defence to attack through their speedy midfield.

Singapore had a chance to grab all three points in the 74th minute when Shahril threaded a ball through for Faris Ramli, but the winger could only hit the side netting.

The match seemed to be petering out into a draw until Safuwan's hand came in contact with a Thai cross from the right with just one minute of normal time remaining.

With Thailand top of Group B on three points, all four nations play their next  matches on Wednesday. At the Sports Hub, Singapore will face their former coach Raddy Avramovic, who's now in charge of Myanmar, while Thailand play Malaysia at Jalan Besar Stadium.

^ Back to Top ^