The Singapore Under-23 football team began their SEA Games quest for gold in underwhelming fashion when they drew 1-1 with unfancied Laos on Sunday night.

The result left the Young Lions red-faced as the Laotians played the game with 10 men after Saison Khounsamnan was sent off after just two minutes in Naypyidaw's Zayyarthiri Stadium.

Courts Young Lions striker Sahil Suhaimi gave Aide Iskandar's side the lead after 28 minutes but Laos fought back to equalise through Khouanta Sivongthong's header in the 86th minute.

Singapore's next game is on Tuesday against Vietnam, who crushed Brunei 7-0 in their opening match.