BANGKOK -- A valiant display from Singapore has seen them defeat Thailand for the first time in 14 years, although their 2-1 second-leg win at Rajamangala Stadium on Tuesday was in vain -- as they were were eliminated from the ASEAN Championship semifinals 4-3 on aggregate.
Having lost the opening encounter 3-1 at their Jalan Besar Stadium home on Saturday, the Lions had it all to do against a team they last beat in 2012 -- when they won the most recent of their four regional titles.
But they certainly looked up for the challenge, dominating proceedings from the opening whistle -- just like they did in the first leg, although then they were hit by a ruthless, counterattacking Thailand.
This time around, they were able to restrict the War Elephants on the transition and, when their chances arrived, Singapore were able to take it.
Right on the stroke of halftime, a raking diagonal pass by Kyoga Nakamura straight through the heart of the pitch looked set to release Farhan Zulkifli down the right. Sensing the danger, Thailand goalkeeper Kampol Pathomakkakul was quickly off his line and temporarily halted the threat.
However, he was only able to divert the ball to Harhys Stewart, who calmly sent a looping effort from all of 35 yards into the back of the unguarded net.
The goal did spark some some life into the hosts after the break and, a minute before the hour mark, they were presented with a golden opportunity to equalise on the evening when Wanchai Jarunongkran was clipped down by Ryhan Stewart inside the area -- paving the way for Kakana Khamyok to convert from the spot.
But not long after in the 65th minute, Singapore remarkably reclaimed the lead after the Thais failed to clear their lines at a corner as Ilhan Fandi and Harhys showed great determination in doing whatever they could to force the ball towards the opposition goal.
It eventually broke loose down the right, where Ryhan latched on and drilled a low ball into the six-yard box which ricocheted off the calf of Pansa Hemviboon in for an own-goal
The Lions again now needed one more goal to force extra-time and they would throw everything at Thailand, but they were just unable to snatch that all-important third -- as they bowed out of the tournament albeit in valiant fashion.
More to follow...