BACOLOD, 14 NOVEMBER 2018 – Following their winning start to the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2018 against Indonesia last week, Singapore headed into their second Group B match hopeful of a good result.

 

But despite putting in a spirited performance, the Lions succumbed to a 1-0 defeat in Bacolod as Patrick Reichelt’s 78^th-minute strike made the difference for the Philippines.

 

Head Coach Fandi Ahmad expressed disappointment at failing to secure at least a draw, but urged his charges to regroup ahead of the next match against Timor Leste on 21 November at home.

 

Speaking at the mixed zone after the match at Pana-ad Park and Stadium, striker Khairul Amri reiterated the sentiment.

 

“I think we need to quickly forget about it and focus on our next game at home and of course, try to score as many goals (as we can),” said the 33-year-old, who came on in the closing stages to earn his 127^th cap.

 

“I think we were unlucky (with) that goal, he had nowhere to shoot but the ball went in under the goalkeeper’s arm; it’s unfortunate but that’s football.

 

“We still have hope (of reaching the semi-finals)… for a start, we need to win the next game and then try to get the win against Thailand.”

Captain Hariss Harun wants the team to stay upbeat and make good use of the week-long break to get ready to play the Timorese at the National Stadium.

 

“It was tough (to take the loss) but the guys did well and we caused them a couple of problems,” he said at the mixed zone. “But in the end, it is what it is.

 

“We still have two more games to play so we have to stay positive and we have a few days until the next game, so we go back and recover well and prepare (to go again).”

 

The Lions departed for Singapore earlier today.