Singapore suffered a 0-2 loss to Vietnam in the first leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup (AFF Cup) semifinals, prompting the nation’s media to lament: "26 years, and we still can’t beat Vietnam!"

The Straits Times reviewed the match, stating: "Singapore lost painfully to Vietnam 0-2, conceding two critical goals during injury time on Boxing Day."

Over 5,000 Singaporean fans turned Jalan Besar Stadium, with its 6,000-seat capacity, into a sea of red, creating a vibrant atmosphere before kickoff.

However, it was the small group of 300 Vietnamese fans who had an early chance to celebrate. Dinh Thanh Binh found the net in the 10th minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

The Straits Times noted that despite Vietnam’s stronger squad, the visitors played cautiously, aware of the challenges posed by the artificial turf at Jalan Besar.

The outlet expressed disappointment: "Singapore seemed poised to end the 26-year winless streak against Vietnam.

In the 68th minute, Taufik’s quick shot after intercepting the ball from Do Duy Manh was thwarted by goalkeeper Dinh Trieu.

Disaster struck Singapore in the final moments, as they conceded two goals to Tien Linh and Xuan Son, leaving the Lions with slim hopes of reaching the 2024 ASEAN Cup final."

Meanwhile, Channel News Asia commented: "Two late goals from Vietnam sank Singapore in the first leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup semifinals.

The late collapse has left the Lions with a daunting challenge in the second leg at Vietnam’s home ground on December 29."

The last time Singapore defeated Vietnam was in 1998, during what was then known as the Tiger Cup.

This result also marked the end of Singapore’s unbeaten run at Jalan Besar Stadium, with their last loss there dating back to 2017.

One of Vietnam's key threats, naturalized Brazilian forward Nguyen Xuan Son, played a pivotal role, having scored two goals and delivered two assists in his debut against Myanmar.

Despite tight marking, Xuan Son continued to display bold attempts on goal.

In the 68th minute, Singapore had a golden chance to score, but goalkeeper Dinh Trieu made a fingertip save.

The turning point came late in the game when Shakir Hamzah was heavily criticized for a handball in the penalty area.

Tien Linh silenced the Singaporean crowd with a decisive penalty, and Xuan Son sealed the 2-0 victory shortly afterward."

Lam Hoang