All square at Jalan Besar Stadium in AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group H Opener
Image via Junpiter Futbol, Siaw Woon Chong
26 October 2021, Singapore - A late Jordan Emaviwe strike at Jalan Besar Stadium saved the Singapore U22s from an embarassing defeat to minows Timor Leste last night.
The Lions kicked off their opening Group H game of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022™ Qualifiers in front of a 1,000 home fans, and buoyed by the home support, got off a great start when Glenn Kweh put the home side in front.
Match Highlights via Football Association of Singapore
Kweh was quickest to react after goalkeeper Junilo Manuel Pereira spilled the ball, and in truth, it was a well deserved lead at that point.
The Lions' joy was short lived however, as they were pegged back with two Timor Leste goals in quick succession towards the end of the first period.
Match Turned on its Head
Elias Joao Mesquita, got the final touch off a flick-on from a corner at point blank range, before he turned creator to set up Gali by putting him through on goal in a Timor Leste counter attack. Gali however, was shown a straight red card for using offensive language in his celebrations in front of the home fans, but even then, the Lions found themselves with much to do trailing 1-2 at the break.
Image via Football Association of Singapore
Profligate finishing in the second period saw the Lions failing to capitalise on the hatful of chances that were created however, and it was only till the dying embers of the match when Jordan Emaviwe volleyed home the equaliser that the Lions could heave a huge sigh of relief.
Singapore will next face the Philippines, who currently sit bottom of Group H following a 0-3 reverse against favourites South Korea, but will fancy their chances against a Singapore side having gotten their toughest fixture out of the way.
Image via Lions of Asia Instagram
Group H Fixtures, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U23 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2022™ Qualifiers
25 Oct: South Korea 3-0 Philipines
25 Oct: Singapore 2-2 Timor-Leste
28 Oct: Timor-Leste vs South Korea
28 Oct: Philippines vs Singapore
31 Oct: Timor-Leste vs Philippines
31 Oct: South Korea vs Singapore
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