Thailand, who were the pre-tournament favourites, made a winning start against holders Singapore in the AFF Suzuki Cup in Singapore. Thailand started strongly and put the home side under early pressure. This paid off after ten minutes when Thosakrai latched onto a defensive mistake and slammed the ball into the net.
This stung Singapore into action and they began to come into the game more and more. An excellent move down the left after twenty-one minutes resulted in a perfect cross finding Amri in the box and he bulleted home a header for the equalizer.
The teams went in level at half-time with both teams fancying their chances of victory. The second-half was a close affair but neither side were able to break the deadlock. Singapore had a great chance late on but they failed to get in a shot when clear on goal.
They were made to pay for that lapse two minutes from time when Thailand were awarded a penalty after the referee spotted a hand-ball in the box. Former Buriram player Chappuis held his nerve to easily beat the Singapore keeper from the spot.
So a winning start for Thailand who have taken a massive step towards the semi-finals The next group game is against Malaysia on November 26th. Kick-off 16.00 (Thai time) Malaysia drew their opening match with Mayanmar 0-0, despite being reduced to ten men early in the game.