S’pore unlucky in Thailand defeat: FAS chief

SINGAPORE — Football Association of Singapore (FAS) president Zainudin Nordin believes Singapore’s 2-0 loss to Thailand in Korat on Thursday was unfortunate.

The match, held to mark 50 years of bilateral relations between the two countries, was the second time in four months that Thailand beat Singapore. The two sides last met at last November’s ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup, with the Lions losing 2-1 at the National Stadium.

“I think it was a bit unfortunate that we couldn’t get the result we were hoping for,” said Zainudin, who is also Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC. “The boys tried their best and played their hearts out. Unfortunately, things didn’t turn out the way we wanted. And near the end of the game, one can see the team lost concentration because of the injuries.

“But I think even without senior players like Shahril (Ishak), Baihakki (Khaizan) and Hassan (Sunny), the young team, led by Hariss Harun, did a credible job for almost 90 minutes. So that is a positive sign for me.”

Despite matching the Thais for most of the game, late goals from Suttinum Phukhon after 86 minutes and an injury-time strike by Pokkhaw Anan sealed victory for the reigning Suzuki Cup champions, who were missing several key players such as playmaker Chanathip Songkrasin and attacking midfielder Charyl Chappuis.

Singapore’s next match is a friendly against Guam at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Tuesday, and Zainudin said: “There is another game for Singapore. There will be time for us to gather and make amends, and the coach will do whatever is necessary to make that happen.”

He was speaking at the Toa Payoh Central Community Club yesterday, where he led the local football community in paying their last respects to Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first Prime Minister who died on Monday.

It was attended by 198 players and officials from the S-League as well as 76 staff from the FAS, including players from Lions XII, Courts Young Lions, the national women’s team, ex-internationals and coaches.

The national side were unable to return in time for the ceremony, but Zainudin said: “They wanted to be part of it, but were unable to do so. We are looking into organising something for them (today).”