SINGAPORE — Singapore’s quest for that elusive South-east Asian Games football gold medal came to an end tonight (Dec 19) after they lost 1-0 to Thailand at the Zeyarthiri stadium in Naypyidaw.

The Thais took the lead through a penalty in the 23rd minute and that was enough to give them the opportunity to regain the SEA Games title they won eight times in a row until 2007.

Singapore opted for a counter-attacking strategy and the move nearly paid off as early as the third minute.

A brilliant through ball by Zulfahmi Arifin put Hafiz Abu Sujad through on goal but despite having only the advancing Thai keeper to beat, the LionsXII winger rushed his shot, sending it way off target.

Defender Afiq Yunos also came close to scoring his second goal of the competition but his header off Zulfahmi’s corner-kick in the 10th minute went inches over the bar.

Singapore would subsequently be made to pay for wasting their scoring chances 13 minutes later when the Thais were awarded a penalty.

Madhu Mohana clumsily brought down a Thai forward following a poor judgement call by goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, the referee pointed to the spot immediately, and defender Praweenwat Boonyong stepped up to successfully convert the spot-kick and give his side the lead at the break.

Young Lions coach Aide Iskandar felt that the penalty was due to a loss of concentration.

“There was hesitancy between the defenders and goalkeeper, and we got done from that penalty,” he said.

Singapore — who have never won in a SEA Games semi-final since 1989 — enjoyed more possession in the second half, but had to wait until the 50th minute to get their first shot on target. Afiq once again got onto the end of a corner-kick but his header was easily saved.

Despite being marked out for most of the game by the Thais, who constantly surrounded him with two or three players, Courts Young Lions forward Sahil Suhaimi also came close to leveling the scores in the 65th minute. But he failed to divert Faris Ramli’s cross towards goal.

The Young Lions had the Thais pegged back in their own half after midfielder Izzdin Shafiq came on to replace the ineffective Shahfiq Ghani but they just could not find that killer pass to split open the Thai defence.

Aide admitted that he was disappointed with Shahfiq’s performance. “He didn’t have a good first half so I expected more from him in the second half,” he said candidly.

“But that was the best he could give me, so I had to make a change. He didn’t have a good tournament, I expected more from him but he didn’t show up.

“Overall, I though we gave Thailand a good fight. They didn’t create many chances. We had our chance within three minutes. I have to congratulate Thailand for winning.”

Singapore will now face Malaysia in the bronze-medal playoff on Saturday.

“We will now just have to go on and try and win (the bronze-medal match),” said Aide. “Of course we are disappointed not to make it to the final but there’s still something to play for, so let’s go for the bronze.

“Both teams will definitely want to win, so it will be a good derby game.” ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY PHILIP GOH