Thailand took a major step towards the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 final after defeating Singapore 3-1 in the first leg of the semi-final at Jalan Besar Stadium, Kallang.
Having dominated Group B with a perfect 12 points, Anthony Hudson’s War Elephants picked up right where they left off, unleashing a formidable attacking frontline led by Yotsakorn Burapha, Teerasak Poeiphimai, Kakana Khamyok, and Seksan Ratree, backed by veteran orchestrator Sarach Yooyen.
Singapore, who advanced as Group A runners-up (8 points), struggled early to contain Thailand’s high-pressing tempo.
Thailand signaled their intentions early, with Chaiyaphol Adthong firing wide from outside the box in the 12th minute. Two minutes later, the breakthrough arrived: Kakana intercepted the ball in midfield and fed Seksan, who set up Teerasak Poeiphimai to slot home a deflected effort inside the post.
In the 14th minute, Kakana turns provider in central midfield; Seksan assists Teerasak for the deflected opener to the first goal lead.
After eight minutes, Teerasak dispossesses Hariss Harun and drives forward, forcing a sharp save from Singapore custodian Izwan Mahbud.
However, shortly afterwards, Waris Choolthong bursts down the right flank and delivers a pinpoint cross for an unmarked Teerasak to head home his second goal.
Singapore were handed a lifeline in the 35th minute when a VAR review ruled that Yotsakorn had fouled Shawal Anuar inside the box. However, Shawal’s resulting penalty was brilliantly denied by Thai goalkeeper Kampon Phatomakkakul to preserve the two-goal cushion.
Despite losing two-goal hero Teerasak to an injury concern in the 43rd minute—replaced by Patrik Gustavsson—Thailand went into the break firmly in control.
Thailand picked up the momentum immediately after the restart, substitute Patrik Gustavsson drives down the left wing and squares the ball to Seksan Ratree, who finishes cleanly to extend the lead to 3-0.
In the 65th minute, Picha Autra breaks clear on a quick counter-attack, only to be denied by Izwan.
Singapore managed to pull a goal back in the 84th minute through a moment of individual quality from Ilhan Fandi, who curled a right-footed strike into the far corner to make it 3-1. However, Thailand held firm through the closing minutes to secure the away win.
Thailand will take their two-goal cushion back to Bangkok for the second leg as they look to seal their spot in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 final.
The semi-final will be decided in the second leg at Rajamangala National Stadium on 18 August 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 8:00 PM (Local time)
Credit Photo : FA Thailand
