SEA Games: Singapore begin quest for football gold

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The hunt for the nation's first football gold medal will continue when the Singapore Under-23 side troop out against their Laotian counterparts on Sunday evening.

Coach Aide Iskandar and his boys are expected to get nothing less than three points in their Group A opener against Laos at the Zayyarthiri Stadium in Naypyidaw, Myanmar on a top-class, spanking new pitch.

The U23s recently drew 1-1 with Hougang United before losing to Cambodia U23 "B" 1-0, then beat Cambodia U23 1-0 and trounced Philippines U23 6-0 in recent warm-up games. Aide will hope his team carry on the momentum and peak at the Games, where they will also face Brunei, Vietnam and Causeway rivals Malaysia.

While the side look solid enough defensively, they will have to find the goals against a Laos team that is largely comprised of the same players that faced the senior side back in June and October. The Lions ran out 5-2 and 1-0 winners respectively, but will have to be wary of the speed and determination of their opponents, who have nothing to lose.

As for their SEA Games history, Singapore drew 0-0 with Laos the last time both teams met in the 2009 edition, which saw Laos top the group ahead of Singapore on goal difference. They also drew 0-0 in the 2007 tournament, while a Fazrul Nawaz goal helped to edge Laos 1-0 in 2005.

Singapore will kick off their game against Laos at 8.15p.m. on Sunday night, and you can follow Goal Singapore for "LIVE" play-by-play and the latest updates!

You can also watch the game on Toggle Live: http://www.toggle.sg/Linear/toggle-live/206040