Singapore got their 2022 AFF Championship campaign under way on Saturday with a thrilling 3-2 win over Myanmar in their Group B opener at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
With key men Ikhsan Fandi and Adam Swandi sidelined with injury as well as goalkeeper Hassan Sunny and defender Irfan Fandi serving a one-game suspension following their red cards in the 2020 AFF Championship semifinal, Singapore were dealt a setback in the 34th minute after Lamphun Warrior star Maung Maung Lwin managed to cap off a devastating Myanmar counterattack with a delightful chip that went over the head of Singapore backup goalie Zaiful Nizam.
The hosts managed to drew things level just before half-time, with Ilhan Fandi managing to head a Christopher van Huizen cross into Myo Min Latt’s goal.
Four minutes after the restart Singapore managed to turn things around to their advantage, Shah Shahiran giving the Lions the lead with a well-taken cannonball that grazed Latt’s palm on it’s way to the goal – the midfielder’s first international goal.
Lwin, however, restored parity for Myanmar in the 66th minute with an excellent volley, seizing upon a mistake done by Singapore substitute Ryhan Stewart in the buildup with the Chiangmai FC player passing the ball straight onto Lwin’s path for him to finish things off.
It was Singapore who had the last laugh, though – a 74th minute goal kick by Nizam led to Shawal Anuar tapping the ball into Latt’s goal first-time to seal victory for the Lions.
Group B’s other match saw Malaysia utterly demolishing Laos 5-0 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium. Newly naturalized striker Sergio Ezequiel Aguero scored his first international goal to kickstart the party in the 29th minute, before the Harimau Malaya ran riot in the second half.
Newly signed by Selangor FC a few days ago, Faisal Halim scored a brace in the 65th and 68th minutes, while both Haqimi Azim Rosli and Stuart Wilkin scored one a piece as Malaysia dominated their match from start to finish.