Singapore got off to a perfect start in the game as they pushed to get an early lead in the game with Agu Casmir leading the attack. But it was not meant to be as Myanmar kept a tight lid at the back, thwarting each attacking move Singapore sprung on them.
As the match progressed, Myanmar came close to breaking the deadlock on a number of occasions and the Lions’ custodian, Izwan Mahbud, executed some impressive saves to keep his team in the game.
The first half came to an end with the score unchanged and with the Lions having dominated the match.
It however took just eight minutes from the restart for Singapore to get the lead through Agu Casmir as he calmly placed his shot beyond the Myanmar goalkeeper after latching onto a loose ball deep inside the penalty box.
Not to be outdone, Myanmar pushed hard and fast into the Lions’ half to get the game back on level terms and they did it with only 10 minutes remaining on the clock. David Htan of Myanmar volleyed the ball past defender Shaiful Esah and goalkeeper, Izwan Mahbud.
Shaiful Esah received his marching orders in the 86th minute after collecting his second yellow card in the match.
The match then ended with the final score, Myanmar 1-1 Singapore.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Singapore head coach, Radojko Avramovic said: “I think it was a good game for both teams today. In the first half, we dominated the match and should have scored too. And in the second half, Myanmar dominated the match. But I must say that although in the second half we could see a few tired legs, I am happy with the team's will to fight and play. We are missing the goals but created the chances for them.”
Midfielder Nazrul Nazari who was handed his first start mentioned: “I am happy to have got myself a spot in the starting eleven for this match. It was also a challenge for me playing in this match as I had to face taller and bigger players but I gave it my best till the end. It has been a good learning experience for me during this period with the national team.”
