Defending champions Thailand kept their dreams of a third straight title when they downed Singapore 3-0 at the Rajamangala Stadium here tonight and claim their place in the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-finals.
For topping Group B, Thailand will face Malaysia in the first-leg semi-final showdown in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
Philippines, which finished second in Group B after sharing points with Indonesia tonight, will square off with Group A champs Vietnam to complete the battle of the last four. The Filipinos played out a 0-0 draw in Jakarta but it was good enough for them to finish second in the group.
Thailand, consecutive winners in 2014 and 2016, were simply no match for the fighting Singaporeans in today’s deciding group game. Singapore had to win and so they went on the hunt. The Thais were not about to take any chances for a loss could see them make an early exit. And so, in front 29,000 fans, the Thais gave it their all and walked away winners with goals coming from Pansa Hembivoon (13th), Supachai Shaided (23rd) and Adisak Kraisorn (90th).
Singapore had the first crack when Ikhsan Fandi’s attempt was saved in the seventh minute but it was Thailand that drew first blood through Pansa. The goal fired up the nervous Thais and they were soon celebrating again ten minutes later after a defender slipped up as he attempted to clear a long ball in. To his horror, it landed in the path of Supachai who sneaked it past the keeper.
The Thais had a fine chance to increase the score in the 33rd minute but Adisak’s touch, from a cross off Sanrawat Dechmitr on the left, was saved. Three minutes later, goalkeeper Chatchai Bootprom almost conceded an embarrassing goal but he recovered quickly to clear his own poor clearance.
Singapore continued to chase the game and managed to make some in-roads but were unable to get the final shots through. The tireless Ikhsan was regularly harassing the defenders and managed to squeeze in several shots.
The Thais broke away in the 72nd minute with Sanrawat setting up Thitiphan Puangjan but his effort was punched away. With time quickly running out, the home fans had one last hurrah when their favourite striker Adisak netted the third goal for the night and lift his personal tally to eight goals thus far. Adisak, who scored six of his goals against Timor Leste, is the tournament’s leading scorer.
Thai coach Milovan Rajevac praised his team for achieving what they had set out to do today. “I was satisfied with the result. Singapore were fighting and tried hard. I am happy we achieved what we wanted, to be in the semi-finals.”
He added they were prepared for Singapore and “we had the game under control”.
Fandi Ahmad, Singapore coach and football legend, said his players gave it their best. “We gave it our best but sometimes it’s not enough. Thailand played well and if they continue this way, they will make it to the final.”
