Singapore edge Bangladesh as ASEAN Cup campaign ends

Bangladesh's FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign ended at the group stage after Singapore secured a 1-0 victory in Jakarta on Monday, leaving Thomas Dooley's side without a point from their opening two matches.

Haris Stewart scored the decisive goal in the 35th minute at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium as Singapore bounced back from their 2-0 defeat by Indonesia in their opening Group A match.
Bangladesh had made a lively start and competed well in midfield during the opening 25 minutes, but failed to turn their possession into clear-cut chances.

Goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon kept Bangladesh in the contest in the 17th minute, producing an excellent save to deny Ilhan Fandi after Singapore broke on the counter-attack.

The momentum shifted after the first-half cooling break. Srabon again came to Bangladesh's rescue in the 32nd minute, keeping out Jacob Williams' header from a free-kick before Tariq Kazi blocked the follow-up effort.

Singapore finally broke through three minutes later. Nur Adam Abdullah delivered from the left and Stewart rose to head home from close range, with Srabon unable to prevent the ball from finding the net.

Bangladesh pressed for an equaliser after the interval but struggled to create clear openings. Dooley introduced Minhajul Karim Swadhin, Sohel Rana Jr and Fahamidul Islam as he sought to inject greater urgency into the attack.

Fahamidul's introduction brought more attacking impetus, with the Italy-based forward delivering several dangerous balls into the box. One of them found Rakib Hossain in the 79th minute, but his header deflected off Stewart and went behind for a corner.

Bangladesh could not find a way through Singapore's defence and suffered their second successive defeat.

Malaysia lead Group A on three points, ahead of Indonesia on goal difference, with Singapore also on three. Bangladesh are bottom without a point.