The Singapore Under-22 Men’s National Team ended their 2025 SEA Games campaign with a determined showing against Thailand, as they battled to a 3-0 defeat at the Rajamangala Stadium on Thursday (11 December).
Despite putting up a valiant effort against the 16-time gold medalists, Singapore were consigned to back-to-back defeats in Group A after conceding three second-half goals.
The Thailand loss came after Singapore fell 3-1 to Timor-Leste in their opening game, results that extinguished Singapore hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals.
“It was a difficult campaign for all of us, but also one that we learned and grew a lot from,” said Head Coach Firdaus Kassim.
“Now, the boys must build on these lessons and work towards achieving the performances that they are capable of,” added the 38-year-old, who rued the six-minute spell in the second half that undid what was until then a creditable performance.
“It’s clear that Thailand was the much better side. We stayed competitive for most parts of the game, but those three goals in a few minutes changed everything,” said Firdaus.
“We tried to press and create our chances, but it came down to game management and concentration. The boys are young, and you can see their quality, but many areas still need improvement.”
Faced with a Thailand side brimming with confidence after their opening 6-1 win over Timor-Leste, Singapore showed little fear and took the game to the hosts right from kick-off.
Latching on to a well-executed free kick routine in the third minute, midfielder Muhammad Asis rifled a powerful shot with his right foot that narrowly flew over the bar.
Thailand’s first clear-cut chance arrived in the 30th minute as Inaram Wichan slid in a cross that found Thanakrit Chotmuangpak in the box, but Aizil Yazid reacted sharply to deny the midfielder’s fierce drive.
Singapore came agonisingly close to opening the scoring seven minutes later when Asis unleashed a spectacular right-foot curler that seemed destined for the top corner, only for it to rattle off the upright of the goal.
Aizil was called into action again in first-half stoppage time – this time to repel a close-range Chanapach Buaphan effort to ensure his team went into the break on level terms. Thailand, however, came flying out of the blocks in the second half.
Just three minutes after the restart, a through pass from Iklas Sanron found the feet of Siraphop Wandee, who expertly placed it past Aizil to break the deadlock.
That goal seemed to lift the home side, as Yotsakorn Burapha burst past Kieran Teo in the box just two minutes later, and emphatically fired his shot into the corner to double Thailand’s lead.
Undeterred by the uphill battle, captain Amir Syafiz and Raoul Suhaimi immediately rallied the team in a spirited huddle, showing no signs of letting the scoreline dampen their fighting spirit.
But Yotaskorn would go one better in the 54th minute, as he lashed a free-kick into the top corner to put his side firmly in the driving seat.
Despite the group stage exit, a visibly disappointed Asis paid tribute to the character and positive spirit in the Singapore camp.
“I think we showed through our play today that we are capable of bringing happiness and pride to Singapore, even if the result didn’t go our way,” said the midfielder.
“I’m disappointed that I cannot help Coach (Firdaus) achieve what we wanted, as he has been a good coach to me, and deserves something for that. I will definitely support him in every step of the way.”
One of the bright sparks of the Singapore campaign was the opportunity for promising young talents such as Nathan Mao, Luth Harith, and Harith Danish to make their mark and offer a glimpse of what the future holds.
“Although the results were not what we wanted, the team has left everything on the pitch,” said team captain Amir, who believes this group of players has more to offer.
“I’m proud of the boys for always fighting even when we were down, and I’m confident this experience will drive them to come back stronger.”
