S’pore coach Stange happy despite loss to Thailand

SINGAPORE – National coach Bernd Stange cut a satisfied figure despite Singapore’s 2-0 loss to Thailand in an international friendly in Korat tonight (March 26).

Late goals from Suttinum Phukhon after 86 minutes, and an injury-time strike by Pokklaw A-Nan sealed victory for the reigning Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup champions in a match that was held to mark 50 years of bilateral relations between Thailand and Singapore.

A minute’s silence was also observed before kick-off as a mark of respect to the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first Prime Minister who died on Monday.

Singapore’s coaching staff and substitute players wore special T-shirts to mark Mr Lee’s passing, while both teams also donned black armbands.

Despite Thailand getting the better of Singapore again — they beat the Lions 3-1 in the group stage of the AFF Suzuki Cup in November last year — Stange insisted he was happy with his side’s performance.

"It was a match of good quality and you could not see for a long time who was the Suzuki Cup winner and who wasn’t," he said.

"I think we can be very proud of our performance but unfortunately in the dying minutes of the game, we lost concentration and were beaten by two late goals…It was a good level and quality and a hard, hard fight. It was very fair."

But Singapore captain Hariss Harun added: "It could have been a different story if we took our chances. I think we deserved better."

The Lions could count themselves unfortunate to have lost defenders Afiq Yunos and Shaiful Esah to injury during the match which Stange felt could have upset their rhythm and focus.

Thailand coach Kiatisuk Senamuang was missing several of his regulars, including Chanathip Songkrasin and Charyl Chappuis, who played a role in their AFF Suzuki Cup triumph last year, although Stange felt the hosts still fielded a very strong side.

Apart from lacking that finishing touch in front goal, said Stange also stressed had no complaints about his players’ performance.

"We played with tactical discipline. We were fresh, sharp and aggressive. It was very difficult for Thailand," he said. "Unfortunately, we could not extend that over 90 minutes. We would have been happy with a 0-0 result."

Singapore’s next match is a friendly against Guam at the Jalan Besar Stadium on the upcoming Tuesday.

S’pore coach Stange happy despite loss to Thailand.