Lions can't handle Hong Kong in 2-1 defeat
HONG KONG 2
(Xu Deshuai 7, Ju Yingzhi 53)
SINGAPORE 1
(Shahril Ishak 90+4-pen)
Singapore's preparations to defend their AFF Suzuki Cup title began on the wrong note as they succumbed to a 1-2 defeat to Hong Kong at the Mongkok Stadium on Friday.
The hosts took an early lead in the seventh minute through Xe Deshuai before turning provider for Ju Yingzhi to double their lead after the half-time break on 53 minutes.
While the Lions tried to fight back, they barely managed to keep the rampant Hong Kongers at bay before Safuwan Baharudin was brought down in the penalty area deep into added time.
Even though Shahril Ishak converted the penalty, it was too little too late for Bernd Stange's men.
The German coach must now focus on regrouping his team ahead of their next friendly match against Macau on Tuesday.
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