Singapore stroll past 10-man Brunei

NAYPYIDAW — Singapore remain undefeated in the SEA Games after they defeated Brunei 2-0 at the Zayar Thiri Stadium in Naypyidaw tonight (Dec 13).

Captain Hariss Harun had a great chance to open the scoring in the second minute but his curling free-kick cannoned off the crossbar.

Sahil Suhaimi also came close to getting his name on the scoresheet early on, but the Courts Young Lions forward misjudged the pace of Faris Ramli’s cross and his miskick was easily cleared.

Defender Safuwan Baharudin was a constant threat at set-pieces but his headers were also struggling to find their way into the back of the net.

But the Lions’ persistence finally paid off in the 35th minute when Hariss got on the end on Safuwan’s header and volleyed the ball into the back of the net put his side 1-0 up.

Singapore had to wait until the 56th minute to double their lead. Sahil brilliantly controlled a long ball from Izzdin Shahfiq and beat two defenders before calmly slotting the ball beyond the reach of Brunei’s goalkeeper.

Sahil, Hariss and substitute Gabriel Quak all had excellent opportunities to extend Singapore’s lead but were all denied by the opposing goalkeeper.

The win allowed Singapore to regain top spot in Group A. The Lions have seven points from three games, one ahead bitter rivals Malaysia, who have played one game less. Vietnam occupies third spot with three points, ahead of Laos and Brunei, who have both yet to win a game.

Singapore’s final group game will be against rivals Malaysia on Sunday, Dec 15.