Singapore kept its FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign alive with a 1-0 victory over Bangladesh on Monday, earning its first three points of the tournament and setting up a crucial final Group A match against Malaysia.
Harhys Stewart scored the decisive goal in the 35th minute at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, rising to meet a cross from left-back Nur Adam Abdullah and directing his header into the bottom corner.
The goal marked another important contribution from Stewart against Bangladesh. He had also scored the only goal when Singapore defeated Bangladesh 1-0 in an Asian Cup qualifier in March.
Singapore started positively but initially struggled to break down a Bangladesh side that defended deep and crowded the area around its defensive third.
The first major opportunity came in the 17th minute when Ikhsan Fandi connected with a cross inside the box, only for Bangladesh goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon to react quickly and make the save.
Singapore eventually found the breakthrough through Stewart. Nur Adam advanced down the left before delivering the cross that allowed the midfielder to place his header beyond Srabon’s reach.
The Lions had opportunities to extend their advantage before and after half-time. Ilhan Fandi missed from a tight angle shortly before the break, while Shah Shahiran and Song Ui-young also came close in the second half.
Bangladesh, however, remained within striking distance because Singapore could not add a second goal.
The South Asian side pushed forward during the closing stages, with Rakib heading toward goal in the 80th minute before the danger was cleared. Another Bangladesh attack five minutes later forced Singapore to retreat and defend its narrow lead.
The Lions ultimately held on to secure the win.
The result puts Singapore third in Group A with three points from two matches. Bangladesh remain without a point and have been eliminated from contention for the group title.
Singapore had opened the tournament with a 2-0 defeat to Indonesia, making Monday’s victory particularly important for its hopes of progressing. Indonesia had also been held to a draw by Malaysia, leaving the group standings open heading into the final round.
Singapore’s final Group A match will be against Malaysia in Bandung on Oct. 1. With only the group winner advancing to the final, the match will be decisive for the Lions’ remaining title ambitions.
For Singapore, the victory provides a much-needed response after the opening defeat and gives the team another opportunity to keep its inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign moving forward.
The bigger test now comes against Malaysia, with Singapore needing another strong performance in its final group match to keep its tournament hopes alive.
