Late drama has seen Singapore suffer a 2-0 loss to Vietnam in the first leg of the ASEAN Championship semifinals.

SINGAPORE: Two late goals in the depths of stoppage time saw the Lions fall 2-0 to regional heavyweights Vietnam in the first leg of the ASEAN Championship semi-finals on Thursday (Dec 26). At the Jalan Besar Stadium,

Vietnam broke the deadlock against Singapore in stoppage time with a penalty from Tien Linh, and Xuan Son doubled the lead minutes later, securing their victory ahead of the second-leg semifinal match at home.

Jalan Besar Stadium's artificial turf and the close proximity of the field to the stands could be advantageous for Singapore, say observers.