SEA Games: Singapore stutter to 1-1 draw with 10-man Laos in football

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Singapore’s hunt for the elusive Southeast Asian Games gold medal got off to an inauspicious note after a 1-1 draw with Laos on Sunday evening at the Zayar Thiri Stadium in Naypyidaw, Myanmar.

Singapore desperately needed the win to have any chance of progressing past a tough group that includes Vietnam and neighbours Malaysia.

And their task was made easier within minutes from the start with Laos defender Saison Khounsamnan sent off for a rash challenge on Shahfiq Ghani.

Despite the advantage of an extra man, Singapore failed to find its rhythm amidst scrappy exchanges with a side cheered on by voracious Laotian fans at every touch of the ball.

But in the 26th minute, a rare spell of possession play ended with Sahil Suhaimi slotting past the keeper after controlling a tight through ball from Zulfahmi Arifin.

The Laotians continued to pester the Singapore backline with their pace on the break but never truly threatened custodian Izwan Mahbud for most of the game.

That was until the 85th minute when substitute Khouanta Sivongthong popped up to head home a cross while the stunned Lions watched in dismay.

Singapore’s next match is on 10 December against regional giants Vietnam, who made short work of Brunei Darussalam in a 7-0 thrashing earlier today.