Singapore dug deep to secure a 3-2 victory against a determined Myanmar side in their first of two friendlies scheduled this month
It was a night filled with many firsts for Singapore, whose grit led to a late 3-2 win against Myanmar in the first of two Men's 'A' International Friendlies this month. While Kyoga Nakamura's maiden cap since becoming a Singapore citizen dominated headlines in the lead up to the match, it was the team's first win under Head Coach Tsutomu Ogura that stole the limelight.
Fuelled by the home crowd and the banging of the drums by the Singa Brigade, the Singapore side started on the front foot. Confidence paid off quickly, with the home side needing just five minutes to electrify the National Stadium.
Nazrul Nazari dropped his marker, Aung Wanna Soe before sliding the ball across to Farhan Zulkifli who tapped in his first goal for Singapore.
The Myanmar side were under constant pressure to defend their half for most of the first 45 minutes, with an exception of a few attacks that forced Syazwan Buhari into action.
Though Singapore saw several chances at extending their lead, the two teams regrouped for the second half with only Farhan's opener to show for the first half.
It was the visitors who, with newfound spirit, came back onto the pitch for vengeance.
The Burmese turned the tides with two goals in quick succession just two minutes into the second half. Ye Yint Aung found the back of the net first, before substiture Thiha Zaw headed home Myanmar's second.
Despite the sudden shift, the home crowd only grew louder, rallying Singapore forward. Resolve coursed through the resilient Singapore side, who unleashed a relentless onslaught of attacks on Myanmar.
It finally came to fruition in the 83rd minute, when Singapore's substitutes stepped up for their side. Ryhan Stewart's cross into the box found Faris Ramli, who headed it down for Shawal Anuar to strike a powerful volley and level the score.
Just two minutes later, fellow substitute Naqiuddin Eunos fired a powerful shot towards Myanmar's goalkeeper, Kyaw Zin Phyo, who, despite getting a hand to it, could only watch as the ball sailed into the net.
Singapore were then left to defend their slim lead for the remainder of the game, with veteran Safuwan Baharudin putting in a crucial block to deny Myanmar an equaliser.
Here are more highlights of the 3-2 win.
Naqiuddin scores his first international goal and runs towards teammate Faris, after the duo's collaboration led to an emphatic comeback to seal the late victory.
All eyes were on Nakamura, who was given his long-awaited Singapore citizenship on 25 October and the all clear to represent Singapore on the global stage. It was a dream debut, as he was named Man of the Match.
Born in Chiba, Japan, the Tampines Rovers defender first arrived in Singapore in 2019 as a midfielder for Albirex Niigata (S). He is only the second footballer to be neutralised as a Singapore citizen after Song Ui Yong.
Abdul Rasaq was also handed his first cap last night and created several chances for the home side.
After a commendable debut, the Lion City Sailors forward was taken off in the second half.
Faris leaps up high to latch onto Ryhan's cross, and nods it down to Shawal who equalised for Singapore.
Veteran defender Safuwan, who plays his club football with Malaysian powerhouse Selangor FC, produced block and block for his side to deny Myanmar's forwards.
Glenn Kweh is fended off as he fights for the ball.
The winger has quickly solidified his spot as one of Ogura's charges, producing impressive performances in recent matches, with last night's being no exception.
Shah Shahiran flies high to defend a corner in the first half.
The defender turned 25 years old last night at the National Stadium with the gift of the captain's armband.
The Singa Brigade was in full force last night, becoming the main voice for the 6,061-strong crowd.
The fans sang tirelessly for all ninety minutes, ensuring the team was never without a chorus of cheers to propel them forward.
The clash saw several high-speed challenges, a common sight in match ups between Southeast Asian sides. Three yellow cards were given in total, one for Singapore and two for Myanmar.
Nakamura, accompanied by Head Coach and compatriot, Ogura, went over to the Singa Brigade to celebrate his first cap and the win.
Edged on initially to give a couple of words with a loudhailer by a fan, a shy Nakamura simply cheered with the fans instead before bowing and posing for photos.
Singapore will take on Chinese Taipei in their second Men's 'A' International friendly on Monday, 18th November at the National Stadium.
The friendly will be their prelude to the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup, set to kick off for Singapore on 11th December against Cambodia.
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