Published on August 30, 2005

[SOCCER] Baihakki Khaizan saved Singapore some blushes with a late strike to clinch a narrow 3-2 victory over minnows Cambodia in the opener of the Pre-SEA Games tournament at the Supachalasai National Stadium in Bangkok yesterday. Despite controlling the game, Tiger Cup holders Singapore struggled to penetrate the dogged Cambodian defence, who stood solid until almost the last moment of the match. When the final whistle blew, the Cambodian players collapsed to the ground in despair.

“The Cambodians deserved credit today. They caused lots of trouble for my team. I think the result was too harsh for them,” said Singapore coach Radojko Avramovic of Serbia and Montenegro, who steered the Sea Lions to a stunning victory in the Tiger Cup earlier this year.

“Although we needed a late strike to seal the points, I am happy with the team’s performance as we created a lot of chances.”

Although Avramovic’s side started better, it was the underdogs, cheered on by a small group of fans in an almost empty stadium, who took a surprise lead through Sam Nasa, who headed home a corner only five minutes into the game.

Stunned by the early goal, Singapore found it difficult to get back into their rhythm. However, on the stroke of half-time, Shi Yi brought them level with a thunderbolt shot from the edge of the area.

Singapore faced a more difficult second half after rain set in. With the slippery conditions, the Singaporeans struggled to make any inroads through the Cambodian defence, which were not overawed by their opponents.

But Singapore went ahead in the 61st minute through Fazrul Hameed, who rose unchallenged to send a glancing header from a corner into the back of the net.

Cambodia fought back and scored an equaliser seven minutes later from Srey Veasna, who deftly turned past a defender before firing a curling shot into the far corner.

The game looked set for a draw until Khizan headed home another corner deep in injury time to seal an undeserved victory.

Thailand were due to play Laos in last night’s late match.

Kitinan Sanguansak

The Nation

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