Thailand, Singapore advance to ASEAN Cup semifinals

Thailand came from behind to defeat Cambodia 3-2, securing perfect group stage record at the tournament.

At one point, Cambodia held the lead against Thailand and were in contention for a historic semifinal spot. However, that moment lasted only a single minute, as their hopes slipped away in the blink of an eye. Competing in the group stage of the ASEAN Championship for the 10th time, Cambodia once again failed to progress further.

Cambodia began the match strongly and shocked the hosts by taking the lead in the 32nd minute. From a cross by midfielder Sor Rotana, naturalized Colombian striker Andrés Nieto struck a low left-footed shot past goalkeeper Kampol Pathomakkakul.

Thailand, despite missing some of their key players, quickly recovered and equalized just one minute later. Goalkeeper Reth Ly Heng managed to save a long-range effort from midfielder Worachit Kanitsribampen but could not stop Akarapong from pouncing on the rebound to level the score.

Cambodia managed to hold off Thailand until the 78th minute, when the home side scored twice in six minutes. Akarapong and center-back Chalermsak Aukkee each found the net, sealing a 3-2 comeback victory and ensuring Thailand topped Group A with a perfect record of four wins from four matches.

The defending champions demonstrated their strength as the only team to remain unbeaten in the tournament, reaffirming their status as favorites for the title.

Thailand had already secured first place in Group A before this match, allowing them some flexibility in their lineup. Three key players—center-back Pansa Hemviboon, midfielder Seksan Ratree, and forward Suphanat Mueanta—were recalled by Buriram United to play two club matches before rejoining the national team for the semifinals. Despite the game against Cambodia being a formality, coach Masatada Ishii fielded many of his regular starters, including Akarapong.

Cambodia, meanwhile, can leave the tournament with their heads held high. They recorded one win, one draw, and two losses, scoring seven goals and conceding eight.

At the same time, Singapore secured a fortunate 0-0 draw against hosts Malaysia to reach 2024 ASEAN Cup semifinals.

With one point earned at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Singapore finished the group stage with 7 points after four matches, trailing group leaders Thailand by 5 points but staying ahead of their direct competitors, Malaysia and Cambodia, by 2 and 3 points. This marks the seventh time Singapore has advanced to the semifinals of the ASEAN Championship, following their achievements in 1998, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2012, and 2020.

The semifinal berth came to Singapore after nearly 100 minutes of intense play against Malaysia.

Facing a points disadvantage, the home team pressed relentlessly from the start, putting Singapore under significant pressure for most of the game. Despite holding just 53% possession, Malaysia dominated offensively with 20 shots, 5 of which were on target, and 9 corners. They tried almost every attacking method, including wing play, crosses, central combinations, long-range shots, and set pieces, but failed to make a breakthrough.

In a frustrating night for the Malaysian forwards, players such as Haqimi Adil, Daniel Ting, Stuart Wilkin, and Endrick either missed their targets or were denied by Singapore’s goalkeeper, Izwan Mahbud. Midway through the second half, Malaysia came agonizingly close to scoring on two occasions from corners. However, headers from Paulo Josue and Harith Haiqal both struck the crossbar, further compounding the hosts’ misfortune.

Malaysia’s forward Haqimi Adil (number 7) takes a shot right in front of Singapore’s goal keeper Izwan Mahbud in their goalless draw at the ASEAN Cup group stage in Bukit Jalil Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Dec. 20, 2024. Photo by FAM

While luck played a part, Singapore’s defensive strategy was equally crucial. They focused almost entirely on defense in the first half, executing their plan flawlessly under the leadership of experienced center-back Safuwan Baharudin. In the second half, anticipating that Malaysia would push their lines even higher, coach Tsutomu Ogura introduced forward Shawal Anuar, who had already scored four goals in the tournament, to exploit spaces behind Malaysia’s defense with his speed.

This tactic nearly paid off late in the match, as Singapore had opportunities to win. However, Malaysia’s goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli made two outstanding saves in the second minute of stoppage time, denying Ryhan Stewart’s attempts to score.

Singapore will face the winners of Group B in the semifinals, with that group’s leader to be determined after the final matches on Saturday. Vietnam currently lead Group B with 7 points and need only a draw against Myanmar at homeground’s Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho Province to secure first place.