SEA Games Football: Singapore squander chances to lose 0–1 to Thailand in semis

Sahil Suhaimi (left) of Singapore had two good chances in the second half to equalise against Thailand. (Photo by John Yeong for SSC)

Myanmar, Thursday, December 19, 2013 – Singapore squandered a hatful of chances to lose 0–1 to Thailand in the semi-finals of the 2013 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games under-23 football tournament.

It was the fourth meeting between the two countries since SEA Games football became an u-23 tournament in 2001 and Thailand have now won three of those match ups.

Singapore have not qualified for a SEA Games football final since 1989, 24 years ago, and since 2001, have qualified for the semi-finals three times. Singapore have won the bronze medal twice, in 2007 and 2009.

Thailand scored the only goal of the game through a penalty after a defensive mistake. A Thai attack was fizzling out and Safuwan Baharudin was shielding the ball back to his goalkeeper, Izwan Mahbud. However, Izwan was slow to react and in the ensuing chaos, Mahdu Mohana brought down a Thai attacker to incur a penalty.

Praweenwat Boonyong slid a slow penalty past Izwan who went the wrong way. The Singapore players protested that Praweenwat had stopped just before taking the penalty but television replays showed otherwise.

Yet it was Singapore who could have been two goals up inside the first 10 minutes. Hafiz Abu Sujad was through on goal after an incisive Zulfahmi Arifin pass but with only the goalkeeper to beat, Hafiz dragged the shot wide of the left post.

Afiq Yunos then had a free header in the 10th minute from a corner but he misjudged and sent the ball over the bar.

Singapore did not get a shot on target in the first half and it was only in the second half when Afiq finally had a header which tested the Thai keeper who saved well.

Sahil Suhaimi then had two good chances to score an equaliser. Faris Ramli swung in a cross from the right but Sahil could not get a foot on it at the near post. Sahil then beat an offside trap but shot straight at the Thai keeper.

Singapore now face defending champions Malaysia in the playoff for the bronze medal. Malaysia, who won the last two SEA Games football gold medals, failed to make it to their third straight final after they lost 4–5 on penalties to Indonesia in the other semi-final. The game had ended 1–1 after extra time.

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27th SEA Games Myanmar 2013 - Men's Football