Singapore wins AFF Suzuki Cup

BANGKOK, Thailand – Singapore lifted the AFF Suzuki Cup for a record fourth time with a 3-2 aggregate win over Thailand, who could only muster a 1-0 victory in the one-sided second leg of the final in Bangkok on Saturday, December 22.

Singapore took a two-goal advantage to Thailand and clung on despite near-relentless pressure from the spirited home side who were left to rue their dismal 1-3 first leg loss in the city-state.

Thailand’s War Elephants threw everything at the visitors and dominated the game, with a bullet header from Kirati Keawsombut just before half-time giving them hope of securing a famous victory in front of fevered home support.

But they could not find a second goal to take the game into extra-time, with Singapore’s defence resolute in the face of wave after wave of Thai attacks.

It was an impressive third cup victory for their coach Radojko Avramovic, who guided Singapore to the 2004 and 2007 titles.

But he will inevitably face criticism for negative tactics despite his pre-match vow to go for the jugular in Thailand.

In reality his side barely registered a shot in the Supachalasai Stadium.

Their stirring first-leg performance was enough to lift them to the historic win, with Thailand unable to undo the damage of conceding three goals earlier in the week. – Rappler.com