Football: Singapore snatch draw against Laos after dramatic late equaliser at SEA Games

SINGAPORE: Just as the afternoon sunshine melted into angry storm clouds, Singapore's hopes of a victory against Laos in their SEA Games opener looked to be rapidly dissipating on Saturday (May 7).

In front of a partisan crowd at Vietnam's Thien Truong Stadium, the Young Lions looked out of it - until they weren't.

As Jordan Emaviwe's stoppage-time flick hit the back of the net and the team wheeled off in celebration, head coach Nazri Nasir leapt for joy on the touchline.

Laos had been ahead - with goals from Ekkamai Ratxachak and Chony Wenpaserth - before strikes from Singapore substitutes Glenn Kweh in the 89th minute and Emaviwe put the Young Lions level.

Speaking to the media after the game, Nazri hailed his team's fighting spirit.

"I was so hysterical and couldn't control my feelings. I wanted to celebrate, I wanted to be there, and that's why I went onto the field ... I am very proud of the boys," he said. 

"I told the players (to) play until the final whistle. If there was no final whistle, don't stop ... They fought and they never gave up."

In the last edition of the Games, Singapore had faced Laos in their opening group match and were held to a goalless draw despite taking the game to their opponents.

But three years on, it was Laos with the stranglehold on the game.

They looked the sharper of the two sides and Singapore skipper Zaiful Nizam had to be quick off his line to cut off an onrushing attacker early on.

Minutes later, Zaiful was called into action once again as Chony played in Phoutthavong Sangvilay, only for the Singapore goalkeeper to save well with his feet.

The Laotians would not be denied and they took the lead in the 14th minute as Ekkamai sprinted through and hammered a shot past Zaiful.

It took more than 10