Thailand survived a major scare at Rajamangala National Stadium on Tuesday night, losing 2-1 to Singapore in the second leg of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 semi-final but advancing to the final with a 4-3 aggregate victory.
The War Elephants entered the return fixture with a 3-1 advantage after winning the opening leg at Jalan Besar Stadium.
Singapore, however, refused to surrender. The Lions produced a spirited performance, twice taking the lead and eventually securing a memorable 2-1 victory on the night. But Thailand’s first-leg advantage ultimately proved decisive.
Thailand will now advance to the final of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026, where they will face either Vietnam or Malaysia.
Anthony Hudson made a slight rotation to his Thailand line-up, but retained key figures including captain Sarach Yooyen, Teerasak Poeiphimai, and Seksan Ratree.
Thailand created the first opportunity after just four minutes when Patrik Gustavsson drove into the area before firing with his left foot, but his effort was blocked.
Singapore gradually settled into the contest. In the 29th minute, Ilhan Fandi stepped up for a free-kick opportunity and struck with his right foot, but Thailand goalkeeper Kampon Pathomakkakul comfortably gathered the effort.
Thailand thought they had opened the scoring in the 32nd minute after winning possession in midfield.
Worachit Kanitsribampen threaded a pass through to Seksan Ratree, who finished clinically — only for the flag to go up for offside.
Singapore responded two minutes later when Haris Harun delivered a cross toward Ilhan Fandi, whose header forced Kampon into another important save.
Teerasak then went close for Thailand in the 37th minute when Sarach floated a cross into the box, but the striker headed wide.
The Lions continued to threaten on the counter. In the 44th minute, Farhan Zulkifli found Song Ui-young, who arrived at the edge of the penalty area and fired towards goal.
The goal gave Singapore renewed hope, but Thailand still led 3-2 on aggregate at half-time.
Thailand responded immediately after the break, introducing Chaiphon Adthod and Kakana Khamyok for Patrik Gustavsson and Worachit.
The changes helped Thailand increase its attacking pressure. In the 55th minute, Wanchai Jarunongkran clipped a dangerous ball into the area, but Seksan Ratree narrowly missed the chance to equalise.
Seven minutes later, Thailand were awarded a penalty. Wanchai was brought down by Ryhan Stewart, and Kakana Khamyok stepped up to take responsibility. The youngster calmly converted to equalise for Thailand.
The goal restored Thailand’s two-goal aggregate cushion at 4-2. Thailand then made another change, with Yotsakon Burapha replacing Seksan.
Singapore immediately responded. In the 65th minute, Ryhan Stewart reacted quickest to a loose ball and smashed it into the net.
The goal reduced the aggregate gap to just one goal and suddenly put the hosts under serious pressure.
Thailand came desperately close to restoring their advantage on the night in the 69th minute.
Sarach Yooyen sent a long pass behind the Singapore defence to Teerasak, who raced through on goal.
The striker’s effort struck the near post and bounced away. Singapore goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud then produced another crucial save in the 80th minute, denying Teerasak after Kakana had won possession and released him into space. The ball struck the post before going behind.
Thailand made further substitutions during the closing stages, introducing Thotsawat Limwannasthian and Usama Tiengkham as they sought to protect their advantage.
Singapore pushed forward desperately in the closing minutes, knowing another goal would have forced the tie into extra time.
Thailand, however, defended with everything they had. The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory for Singapore on the night, but Thailand advanced 4-3 on aggregate.
For Singapore, the result represented a valiant performance after falling 3-1 behind in the first leg. For Thailand, it was about survival.
The War Elephants had done enough over the two legs to book their place in the championship decider.
Thailand will now prepare for the ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ 2026 final, with their opponent to be determined by the second semi-final between Vietnam and Malaysia.
The first leg of the final is scheduled for August 22 at Rajamangala National Stadium, with kick-off at 8:00 PM Thailand time.
Credit Photo : FA Thailand
