Late Ilhan Fandi stunner gives Lions win over Cambodia in ASEAN football championship opener

Ilhan Fandi once again proved to be Singapore's late-game hero, scoring a stunning goal in the dying moments to secure a 2-1 victory over Cambodia in their ASEAN Hyundai Cup opener. This dramatic win came after Shawal Anuar had given the Lions an early lead, only for Cambodia's Sovann Ouk to equalize with a powerful strike.

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As he did in that historic game against Hong Kong, Ilhan Fandi once again came to Singapore's rescue as the Lions beat Cambodia 2-1 in their ASEAN Hyundai Cup opener on Friday (Jul 24).

The match, held at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, saw Singapore take the lead in the 22nd minute through Shawal Anuar, who capitalized on a through ball from Lionel Tan. Despite Cambodia dominating possession for periods, they struggled to create clear chances until Sovann Ouk's spectacular equalizer in the 55th minute.

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A first-half goal from Shawal Anuar at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh had given Gavin Lee's men the lead, before a 55th-minute Sovann Ouk screamer looked to have given the home side a precious point.

As the game seemed headed for a draw, substitute Ilhan Fandi, who also scored a late winner against Hong Kong to send Singapore to the Asian Cup, stepped up again. With virtually the last kick of the match, he unleashed an unstoppable strike that sealed the win for Singapore, breaking Cambodian hearts.

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But as the game looked destined for a draw, substitute Ilhan scored a stunner with what was virtually the last kick of the match.

The Lions, managed by Gavin Lee, will continue their tournament campaign against Timor-Leste, followed by matches against Indonesia and Vietnam. The ASEAN Hyundai Cup, in its 16th edition, features a group stage played on a home-or-away basis.

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It has been an eventful few months for the 23-year-old, who late last year scored the winner against Hong Kong to send Singapore to the Asian Cup.