Singapore was defeated 1-3 by Thailand in the second round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday (Nov. 21) at the National Stadium. The match ma
Singapore was defeated 1-3 by Thailand in the second round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday (Nov. 21) at the National Stadium. The match marked Singapore’s first home game in the qualifiers, attracting 29,644 supporters, predominantly dressed in red to back the Lions.
First Half
Thailand took an early lead as Supachok Sarachat scored in the fourth minute. Singapore’s Shahdan Sulaiman sustained an ankle injury in the 20th minute, leading to a substitution by Shawal Anuar, who later equalized for Singapore with a goal in the 41st minute. The teams went into halftime tied, though Shahdan was seen limping off the field.
Second Half
The Lions began the second half with renewed energy, creating several chances. However, Thailand regained the lead in the 66th minute with a goal by Suphanat Muenta. The crowd’s spirits lifted as star striker Ikhsan Fandi returned to the field in the 77th minute after nearly 10 months out due to injury, but Singapore couldn’t close the gap. Suphanat scored again in the 87th minute, securing Thailand’s win.
After a recent loss to South Korea, Singapore will continue its qualifier matches next year, facing China at home on March 21, 2024.
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