Hosts Singapore clinch top spot in Group A, Thailand overcome Timor Leste
Image via thanhnien.vn
6 December 2021, Singapore - Hosts Singapore got their AFF Suzuki Cup campaign off to a flying start with a thumping 3-0 victory over Myanmar in their opening Group A match at the Singapore National Stadium last evening.
A clinical first-half brace by Ikhsan Fandi after Safuwan Baharudin's headed opener gave the Lions a three goal advantage going in at the break, and the hosts were able to see out the match to secure all three points in their tournament opener.
Image via thanhnien.vn
FK Jerv striker Ikhsan showed great composure to drill the ball into the bottom corner with an angled drive, before he leapt highest to divert home a Shahdan Sulaiman free kick.
Head Coach Tatsuma Yoshida would be certain to impress on his charges that Singapore last lifted the trophy in 2012, and have not progressed beyond the Group Stages ever since so celebrations are likely to be minimal after the opening match.
They will next face the Philippines on Wednesday, who have yet to play a match in the tournament.
Image via thanhnien.vn
Thailand Out Of the Blocks
Earlier in the day, Thailand had overcome Timor Leste 2-0 in the other Group A fixture under new coach Mano Polking and manager Nualphan Lamsam.
After a first half stalemate, Pathompon Charoenrattanapirom broke the deadlock six minutes into the second half, before Supachok Sarachat added another nine minutes from time.
The AFF Suzuki Cup will run till 1 January next year, and tickets for the tournament can be purchased at TicketMaster.sg