AFF Cup: Singapore wins 2 consecutive matches, hot three-horse race in Group A

On the afternoon of December 14, the Timor Leste team welcomed the Singapore team at Hang Day Stadium, in the match of round 3 of Group A – AFF Cup 2024. Before this competition, the Singapore team had 1 win (2-1 against Cambodia). Meanwhile, the Timor Leste team experienced 2 losing matches (0-10 against Thailand and 2-3 against Malaysia).

It is still a familiar position in matches with the appearance of Timor Leste, when Singapore completely dominates the match. The Singapore team had a superior ball control rate, while Timor Leste showed the potential danger from counter-attacks. The first notable situation in the match was also created by Timor Leste.

The man who once brought sadness to the Malaysian team – Joao Pedro continues to cause discomfort to Singapore’s defense. In the 9th minute, the Singapore defender made a mistake. Pedro took the ball and immediately made a lob shot from a very long distance over the opponent’s goalkeeper. But luck was not on the side of the Timor Leste striker, as the ball hit the post.

This was also the most dangerous ball in the first half. Although the Singapore team attacked a lot, they were stuck in putting the ball into Timor Leste’s net.

Singapore had difficulty facing Timor Lester’s defense system. In the 51st minute, Singapore players were able to put the ball into the opponent’s net, but the goal was not recognized because of offside. It wasn’t until the 76th minute that the island nation was able to break the deadlock, thanks to a penalty kick. Kyoga Nakamura was the one who successfully kicked the penalty kick to open the score, putting Singapore ahead 1-0.

In the 83rd minute, Singapore burned Timor Lester’s net again, with Anuar Shawal’s cushion. In the 90th minute, Shawal completed a double, increasing the score to 3-0 for the Singapore team. In the end, the Singapore team won 3-0 against Timor Leste.

With the second consecutive win, the Singapore team made the three-horse race for a ticket to the 2024 AFF Cup semi-finals in Group A more attractive.