Football: Singapore beat Thailand 1-0 in return leg of Asian Cup qualifier
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 18 November 2009 2148 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Singapore salvaged some pride in the return leg of their Asian Cup qualifier against Thailand, winning by a solitary goal on Wednesday.

Aleksandar Duric scored in the 38th minute to give Singapore the winning goal in Bangkok.

Last Saturday, Singapore lost 1-3 in their first encounter with Thailand at Singapore's National Stadium.

The Lions travelled to Bangkok, needing a win badly. They attacked from the word 'go' but Mustafic Fahrudin's effort was cleared by the Thai keeper.

However, cheered on by the home crowd, the Thais soon turned the heat on Singapore.

But Singapore's persistence paid off minutes before the break, when Aleksander Duric headed in from a corner kick.

Thailand came back charged after the break, but could not make their attempts count. Singapore too wasted numerous chances to increase the lead.

Final score: Thailand 0 Singapore 1.

With the latest win, Singapore regained their second spot in Group E on 6 points, one point ahead of Thailand but behind leaders Iran.


- CNA/ir