SINGAPORE: Singapore footballers beat Vietnam 3-2 in a SEA Games Group B tie in Thailand on Monday.

Singapore started their Games campaign with a goal-less draw against Laos on Saturday. So the Lions needed a convincing victory in their second game against Vietnam.

And against all odds, the Lions beat the stronger Vietnamese team to top Group B, after Malaysia defeated Laos 4-0 in the other tie.

The Vietnamese were the favourites, but they got off on a wrong foot. Quang Thanh diverted a pass from Singapore's Isa Halim into the back of his own net in the 6th minute, giving Singapore a 1-0 lead.

The disaster continued for Vietnam when they suffered another own goal. This time, Long Giang made a mess of clearing Singapore's Fazrul Nawas's cross in the 22nd minute.

Singapore too suffered a blow when Isa Halim was sent off in the 28th minute after a second booking.

However, Singapore finally scored, thanks to Sharil Ishak's superb effort late in the first half, giving the Lions a 3-goal cushion.

After the break, Vietnam pulled one back, through PT Binh.

More drama unfolded, as Vietnam were down to 10 men when Tai Le Tan was sent off for elbowing Hafiz Osman.

Vietnam then narrowed the gap in injury time, with a penalty. But it was too little too late, as Singapore took the three points with their 3-2 win. - CNA/ir