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SINGAPORE : Defending champions Singapore retained the Asean Football Championship title on Sunday after they held Thailand to a 1-1 draw in Bangkok and winning the final on a 3-2 aggregate.
Much was at stake for both teams especially Thailand, who were furious after Singapore won the first leg 2-1 at the National Stadium last Wednesday through a controversial penalty.
The Thais had promised to attack all out, and that they did.
However, it was Singapore who got the ball into the back of the net first. But Sharil Ishak's 9th minute tap into goal was ruled out as his teammate Noh Alam Shah was deemed offside.
Thailand's best chance came from a free kick in the 17th minute, but this was parried away by Singapore custodian Lionel Lewis.
Pipat Thonkanya scored Thailand's first goal in the 36th minute to level the score 2-2 on aggregate.
After the break, Singapore wasted a golden chance to even the score, as none of the Lions in the box could connect with a Shi Jiayi's cross.
But Kairul Amri silenced the 40,000 Thai supporters with a goal in the 80th minute, giving Singapore a 3-2 lead on aggregate and a final victory.
At a prize presentation after the match, skipper Aide Iskandar proudly stepped up to lift the trophy for Singapore - much to the delight of Singapore fans at the Supachalasai Stadium in Bangkok and television viewers back home.
The Lions, who have been promised a heroes' welcome back in Singapore, will also be invited by President S.R. Nathan for a reception at the Istana on Monday.
It was also double joy for the Lions as Noh Alam Shah received the Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer Awards for the tournament. - CNA/de
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