The Lions were gifted with two goals by Cambodian goalkeeper Vireak Dara, and then ended the match on the back foot as Singapore earned its first three points at the ongoing ASEAN Football Federation Mitsubishi Electric Cup.
Goals by Faris Ramli and Shawal Anuar early in the first half gave the Lions the points but the more than 12,000 fans at the National Stadium then had to endure watching the team suddenly turn flat and vulnerable.
National coach Tsutomu Ogura acknowledged the team’s weaknesses despite the victory at the post-match conference, especially after Cambodia had 15 shots at goal compared to Singapore’s four.
He said, “I’m not satisfied because we trained for many things like building up our football.
“So I don’t know why we were playing too many long balls and careful balls.
“We were better in training, but suddenly, in the game, it didn’t work.”
“On the football side, we need more improvements.
“This is my responsibility, not the players.
“I need to see how to communicate, how to conduct the training and meetings, and this is my fault.”
Singapore will face off against Timor Leste next in Hanoi on 14 December and will not want to take their opponents lightly.
Despite losing 10-0 to Thailand, Timor Leste took Malaysia to the edge before conceding to a narrow 3-2 defeat in Kuala Lumpur on 11 December.
Malaysia currently leads the group with four points after two matches while Singapore lie third.
PHOTO: ASEAN UNITED FC