Just as expected, the Football Association of Singapore has come out to sing praises of Singapore's 2-1 defeat to Cambodia on July 29, 2016, at the National Sport Complex in Phnom Penh.:

The FAS wrote in their match report:

A dominant display by Singapore was not enough to prevent the Lions from losing 2-1 to 10-man Cambodia in a friendly game on a rain-soaked night at the National Sport Complex in Phnom Penh.

Other glowing phrases include, "started brightly and they carved out an opening on 11 minutes", "The Lions came close again three minutes later after Cambodia failed to clear a long ball" and "Singapore had another glorious opportunity on 17 minutes".

In other words, if the Singapore team were not outscored, outrun and outplayed, they would have won.

Cambodia were reduced to 10 men in the last 15 minutes after Hong Pheng received his second yellow of the game. But the game was effectively over in the first half when all goals were scored.

Cambodia are ranked 180th in the world, while Singapore are 158th.

This was Singapore’s first defeat to Cambodia since they lost 3-0 in 1972.

The Lions have been playing a series of games in preparation for the year-end ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup.

Singapore were defeated 3-2 defeat by the Niigata University of Health and Welfare in their first game.

They bounced back by defeating Japan Soccer College 2-0 in the second game.

Their third game ended in defeat again as they were beaten 3-0 by J-League side Albirex Niigata last Sunday.

Related article:

Lions almost beat Cambodia but narrowly outscored 2-1 in international friendly

If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest updates.