ASEAN Cup 2026: Singapore edges out Cambodia in a thrilling victory

Playing at home with a squad featuring many quality naturalized players, Cambodia started with great enthusiasm and actively pushed their formation high from the early minutes. Coach Koji Gyotoku's team continuously applied pressure with fast attacks and intense pressing, but a lack of precision in finishing prevented their territorial advantage from being converted into goals.

While Cambodia was still struggling to find the opponent's net, Singapore demonstrated efficiency in counterattacks. In the 22nd minute, Lionel Tan delivered a long pass for Shawal Anuar to sprint and beat the offside trap, before decisively finishing from a narrow angle to open the scoring for the visitors. A few minutes earlier, Singapore had also put the ball in the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Despite trailing, Cambodia remained unfazed and continued to maintain pressure after the break. The home team's efforts paid off in the 55th minute when Ouk unleashed a powerful long-range shot from outside the box after winning the ball just outside the penalty area, bringing the match back to a level playing field.

The remaining minutes were played at a high tempo as both teams pushed for victory. Singapore increased the pressure in the closing stages and thought they had scored in the 89th minute, but after more than five minutes of VAR consultation, the referee determined that the visitors' goal was invalid due to offside.

It seemed both teams would have to settle for a point each when, in the 12th minute of stoppage time, Ilhan Fandi became Singapore's hero. The striker controlled a pass neatly inside the box before unleashing a beautiful volley, sealing a 2-1 dramatic victory for the "Lion City".

The last-gasp victory gives Singapore a favorable start in Group A and a significant advantage ahead of their next match against defending champions Vietnam. Meanwhile, Cambodia leaves with many regrets after a decent performance but ending up empty-handed at home due to a moment of lapses in the final stoppage time.