Hanoi: Singapore have continued their perfect start in Group A of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024, striking three times in the final quarter of an hour to see off Timor-Leste 3-0 at Hang Day Stadium on Saturday.
As was the case in their opening win at home to Cambodia, the Lions were made to work hard for maximum points despite the ultimately lop-sided scoreline; a Kyogo Nakamura penalty 15 minutes from time edging them in front before a pair of late Shawal Anuar goals confirmed the win in northern Vietnam.
For long periods it looked as though Timor-Leste, just three days after pushing Malaysia all the way in a 3-2 defeat, were on course for a historic first point at the tournament. Early on, they came within centimetres of having a Puskas Award nominee as well, with an outrageous chipped Joao Pedro effort striking the base of the post from all of 40 yards.
That was as close as either nation came to breaking the deadlock before an early second-half effort from Ryhan Stewart stung the palms of a diving Junildo in the Timorese goal.
Having survived an earlier penalty scare midway through the half, Singapore were awarded a spot kick as the final quarter of an hour approached; Nakamura sending Junildo the wrong way to hand them the lead.
Anuar then continued his fine goalscoring form with a late brace to confirm maximum points; the first a well-timed back-post run to sweep home a Safuwan Baharudin cross from the left before his second, and his side’s third, came from a similar outlet.
Another substitute, Jordan Emaviwe, the provider this time as the ball fell to an unmarked Anuar at the top of the box, who made no mistake.
Two wins from two for Singapore while Timor-Leste fell to a third straight defeat.
Singapore will next host Thailand in a crunch tie in Kallang on Tuesday while Timor-Leste, who are now officially eliminated, will round off their campaign away in Cambodia on the same day.
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