After launching their title defence in unconvincing fashion against Indonesia, the Thais turned in a slightly improved performance against the Lions, who alongside them are the tournament’s joint most successful team. The Thais needed a dramatic intervention once again and substitute Sarawut delivered by nodding the winner as the full-time whistle approached. National coach Kiatisak Senamuang made a surprise change to his line-up by handing forward Rungrat Phumichantuk his first competitive start. The Ratchaburi Mitr Phol FC forward turned his marker on the right side before striding into the box and firing in a low shot that Hassan Sunny could only turn around the post. It looked to have come to no avail until Sarawut beat the Singapore keeper to head home Theerathon Bunmathan’s whipped cross in the dying minutes.

Source: The Nation Bangkok November 22, 2016 12:59 UTC