Football: Singapore lose 1-3 to Thailand in Asian Cup qualifier
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 14 November 2009 2215 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Thailand beat Singapore 3-1 in the Asian Cup Group E qualifier at the National Stadium on Saturday.

Some 20,000 fans showed up to cheer the home team. But it was the Thais who showed more determination. They earned a penalty ten minutes into the game after Noh Alam Shah handled the ball in front of goal.

Sutee Suksomkit was spot on to give the visitors the lead and their first goal in the Asian Cup qualifiers so far.

Singapore opted for long shots to find the equaliser but to no avail.

After the break, Thailand increased their lead when 36-year-old Therdsak Chaiman finished brilliantly. Sutee got his brace and Thailand's third goal late in the game.

A consolation goal for Singapore by Mustafic Fahrudin, through a penalty, was too little too late.

It will now be an uphill task for Singapore in the return leg next Wednesday, as the Thais will be playing on home ground.

- CNA/ir