SINGAPORE - The Lions' first match at the National Stadium has ended in defeat as Bernd Stange's men went down 1-2 to Thailand in the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup.

The Thais opened the scoring in the ninth minute when right midfielder Mongkol Tossakrai swooped in at the far post to slam home a cross from the left in the ninth minute. But Singapore equalised with a brilliant Khairul Amri header in the 19th minute after a superb cross from the left from full-back Shaiful Esah.

However, centre-back Safuwan Baharudin handled a cross inside the box in the 87th minute and the referee pointed to the spot. From the resultant penalty, Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny dived correctly to his right but could not prevent midfielder Charyl Chappuis' effort from going into the net.

Singapore's next game is against Myanmar on Wednesday at the National Stadium while Thailand meet Malaysia at Jalan Besar Stadium on the same day.