Hosts Brunei succumbed to a 1-0 loss in their opening match Group A of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy 2018 as Singapore took firm control of Group B when they thumped Laos 5-1.
A penalty early in the 20th minute that was converted by Jose Oliveira gave Timor Leste the upper hand as Brunei struggled to find the equaliser in front of more than 27,000 fans.
With the win, Timor Leste led Group A with the full points following the 1-1 draw in the game between defending champions Myanmar and Thailand.
It was Myanmar who prised open the lead in the 66th minute through Hein Htet Aung as the Thais then replied off Srimongkol Tungcharoennuruk late in the game.
In the meantime in Group B, Singapore were in full control of the game with five goals from Rusyaidi Salime (18th and 90th minute), Hami Said (40th) and Ikhsan Fandi (45th and 49th).
Laos’ only goal in the game came off Phithack Kongmatilath in the 20th minute.
