AFF Suzuki Cup match between Thailand and Singapore. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
BOCAUE, Bulacan – Defending champion Thailand leaned on a late goal from substitute Sarawat Masuk to edge Singapore, 1-0, and reach the semifinals of the AFF Suzuki Cup at Philippine Sports Stadium here.
In a battle between the last two champions of the competition, Sarawut’s header off a Theerathon Bunmathan cross in the 89th minute proved to be the difference as the War Elephants, seeking a record fifth crown, increased their tally to six points to reach the last four with a game to spare.
The Thais dominated possession for long periods, but just like host Philippines last Saturday, struggled to break down a resolute Singapore side, whose qualifying hopes are now in peril.
Singapore has one point from two matches and would need the result of Thailand-Philippines on Friday to go its way apart from beating Indonesia at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
While the Thais duly deserved their goal for the patience and their relentless attacking, the result was tough to swallow for the Lions, who just moments before Sarawut’s goal, had a couple of good chances to take the lead on the counterattack.