Hanoi: Singapore will hope to make it two wins out of two matches in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024 when they take on a Timor-Leste side that will go into the game at Hang Day Stadium on Saturday on the back of an impressive showing against Malaysia.
The Singaporeans opened their Group A account with a narrow 2-1 victory over Cambodia in Kallang on Wednesday but they were made to work hard for the three points as they survived a second-half comeback from the visiting team.
Tsutomu Ogura's side raced into an early two-goal lead after Faris Ramli and Shawal Anuar capitalised on errors from Cambodia’s goalkeeper Vireak Dara, who twice gave away possession inside his own area.
Sieng Chanthea gave Cambodia a lifeline when he pulled one back before the hour mark but the Singapore defence held on for a hard-fought victory.
While far from their best, the result now leaves the Lions in a good position ahead of their encounter with Timor-Leste in Hanoi, knowing that they will be strong favourites to pick up back-to-back wins as they eye a place in the semi-finals for the first time since the 2020 edition.
Meanwhile, Timor-Leste will be hopeful of claiming that elusive first-ever point in the ASEAN Championship having come agonisingly close following a superb performance against Malaysia on Wednesday.
Looking to bounce back following the heavy 10-0 opening-day defeat to holders Thailand, goals from Olagar Xavier and captain Joao Pedro in first-half injury time saw the minnows go into the break with a surprise 2-1 lead.
However, Timor-Leste's hopes of recording a first-ever win in the ASEAN Championship were dashed when Malaysia’s Paulo Josue struck twice late in the second half to break Timorese hearts.
Simon Elissetche’s side will be underdogs once more in this contest but the Chilean tactician will be hoping that they can build on their display against Malaysia and get their first points on the board.
History, however, is on Singapore’s side. In the ASEAN Championship, Singapore have had the upper hand in both meetings, a 6-1 win in 2018, and most recently in 2021, when the Lions ran out 2-0 winners.
Timor-Leste vs Singapore
Venue: Hang Day Stadium, Hanoi
Kick-off: 14 December, 5:30 PM (Local Time)
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