FAST EXIT LOOMS AGAIN

SEA Games 2025

- Deepanraj Ganesan

The Singapore Under-22 footballers cannot hide their pain and disappointment after falling 3-1 to Timor-Leste at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok on Dec 6, despite taking the lead. They need a big win against hosts Thailand on Dec 11 to stand any chance of reaching the semi-finals.

(ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO)

The scene at the full-time whistle said it all.

Some Young Lions held their heads in their hands, some pulled their red jerseys over tear-streaked faces, while others simply lay flat on the Rajamangala National Stadium pitch, after slumping to a 3-1 loss to Timor-Leste in their SEA Games opener on Dec 6.

Hanging their heads, the Singapore Under-22s then dragged their feet as they headed for the team bus.

They could soon be on the plane home, too.

Defeat meant that the Young Lions' hopes of qualifying for their first SEA Games semifinal since 2013 are all but over and a sixth consecutive group-stage exit is looming.

They now need to beat hosts Thailand by a significant margin in their final Group A match on Dec 11 to stand any chance of reaching the last four. The Thais had thumped the Timorese 6-1 in the group's opening match on Dec 3.

The three group winners and the best second-placed team will advance to the semifinals.