PICTURES

SEA Games: Singapore footballers beaten by Thais in semis, will play Malaysia for bronze

Miscommunication between Singapore's Safuwan Baharudin, pestered by Thailand's Adisak Kraisorn, and goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud led to a loose ball and an eventual penalty for Thailand in the football semifinal during the 27th SEA Games in Naypyidaw's Ze
Miscommunication between Singapore's Safuwan Baharudin, pestered by Thailand's Adisak Kraisorn, and goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud led to a loose ball and an eventual penalty for Thailand in the football semifinal during the 27th SEA Games in Naypyidaw's Zeyar Thiri Stadium, Myanmar, on Dec 19, 2013. -- ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
Thailand's Praweenwat Boon Yong hits a penalty for a 1-0 lead against Singapore in the football semifinal during the 27th SEA Games in Naypyidaw's Zeyar Thiri Stadium, Myanmar, on Dec 19, 2013. -- ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
Thailand's Praweenwat Boon Yong celebrates after scoring a penalty for a 1-0 lead against Singapore in the football semifinal during the 27th SEA Games in Naypyidaw's Zeyar Thiri Stadium, Myanmar, on Dec 19, 2013. -- ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM

SINGAPORE'S hopes of landing a first SEA Games football gold were dashed on Thursday, after they fell 0-1 to Thailand in the semi-finals.

The only goal of the match was scored by Pravinwat Boonyong, whose 24th-minute penalty resulted from a defensive mix-up between Young Lions goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud and centre-back Safuwan Baharudin.

By then, Singapore had already spurned two gilt-edged chances, with Hafiz Abu Sujad firing wide in a one-on-one situation and Afiq Yunos heading over the crossbar.

They had more chances after the break but despite the best efforts of striker Sahil Suhaimi, Thailand goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan was never really troubled.

Aide Iskandar's side will face Causeway rivals Malaysia in Saturday's bronze-medal match, while Thailand and Indonesia will do battle for the gold.

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