A much-improved Singapore side went down 3-1 to Bahrain in an international friendly at the Bahrain National Stadium in Riffa on Thursday night.
The Southeast Asian giants were determined to make amends for their shock 2-1 loss to Cambodia in their last international friendly, and V. Sundramoorthy's team almost pulled off the impossible in humid conditions.
All Bahrain's goals came from the penalty spot, through Mohamed Alromaihi, Abdulla Abdo and Isameel Abdul Latiff, with Safuwan Baharudin grabbing a first-half equaliser for Singapore.
The hosts took an early lead in the 11th minute when Johor Darul Ta'zim II defender Baihakki Khaizan gave away a penalty, which was tucked away easily by Mohamed Alromaihi.
Singapore had a glorious opportunity on 21 minutes when Geylang International winger Gabriel Quak went past two defenders, only to blast his shot over.
Alromaihi almost scored his second goal of the game when he broke the Singapore offside trap in the 27th minute, before sending a first-time grounder narrowly wide.
Despite the early dominance, Bahrain were made to pay for taking their foot off the pedal when Singapore began finding spaces in the final third, to force a 37th minute equaliser.
Baihakki made up for his penalty gaffe when his long ball over the defence saw Safuwan outjump onrushing goalkeeper Abbas Ahmed to loop his header into an empty net.
The Lions were let down by the referee when he gave Bahrain a second penalty just five minutes into the second half, which allowed half-time substitute Abdo to make it 2-1 from the spot.
Singapore refused to cave in and kept pushing forward, but wingers Hafiz Sujad and Quak were unable to provide the ammunition for veteran striker Khairul Amri to feed on.
The home side sat back and allowed Singapore more of the ball, as Sundram tried to seize the advantage by bringing on Iqbal Hussain and Sahil Suhaimi to give more attacking impetus to the visitors.
Despite the substitutions from Singapore, it was Bahrain who added a third goal with a minute left to play. Madhu Mohana gave away a third penalty on the night that was duly converted by Latiff.
Next up for the Lions will be two friendlies against Malaysia (Oct. 7) at home before travelling away to take on Hong Kong four days later.